Ziegler 


Christian  Movements 
in 

The  Orient 


£ibrarp  of  Che  Cheoloc^cal  ^emtnarjp 

PRINCETON  • NEW  JERSEY 
•a  ^Re- 
presented BY 

Rufus  H.  LeFevre 

BX^STS 
. 7 (*>  * Z.  6>  b 


Pto  11  1 


Christian  Movements 

in 

The  Orient 


BY  ,/ 

SAMUEL  G.  ZIEGLER 


Secretary  Foreign  Missionary  Society 


Introduction  by 

BISHOP  A.  R.  CLIPPINGER,  D.D. 


FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST 
1410  U.  B.  Bldg.,  Dayton,  Ohio 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/christianmovemen00zieg_1 


CONTENTS 

Introduction  5 

I The  Present  Unrest  9 

II  Prophecy  Fulfilled  27 

III  Our  Specific  Task 47 

IV  Imperative  Needs  69 

Y Keeping  Faith  with  Him 84 


INTRODUCTION 


The  work  of  Foreign  Missions  in  the  Orient  presents  a 
very  different  and  far  more  difficult  problem  than  that  of  any 
preceding  era.  Changing  conditions,  adoption  of  western 
ideas  and  the  desire  for  autonomy  combine  to  make  a situation 
that  puzzles  the  most  astute  Christian  missionary.  It  has 
become  very  evident,  particularly  in  China,  that  there  must 
be  a new  approach  to  the  people  of  the  Orient  if  the  gospel 
is  to  leaven  the  whole  lump.  Western  exploitation  and  domi- 
nation seems  to  be  more  in  evidence  than  the  work  of  the 
Christian  Missionary  and  the  heart  of  the  gospel.  There  has 
grown  up  an  antipathy  between  the  East  and  the  West  that 
must  surely  be  overcome  if  we  are  to  avoid  racial  wrarfare  and 
the  nations  of  the  world  live  together  in  peace.  This  complex 
situation  presents  a challenge  to  the  church  at  home  as  well 
as  the  missionary  on  the  field  because  its  ramifications  are 
numerous  and  very  far  reaching. 

There  had  been  no  official  visit  from  the  home  base  since 
1917  when  President  Howard,  then  Bishop  of  the  Foreign 
Conferences,  visited  all  our  fields.  Numerous  requests  were 
coming  from  the  workers  on  the  field  for  one  or  more  admin- 
istrative officers  from  the  home  side  to  study  first  hand  with 
them  these  difficult  problems.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Foreign 
Board  in  Johnstown,  November  10,  1925,  a deputation  was 
authorized.  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Ziegler  was  selected  to  represent 
the  Foreign  Board.  The  Board  of  Bishops  was  requested  to 
select  one  of  their  number  to  accompany  him.  Bishop  A.  R. 
Clippinger  was  chosen  from  among  their  number  to  be  a mem- 
ber of  the  deputation.  This  deputation  consisting  of  Doctor 
Ziegler,  Secretary  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  Bishop  Clippinger, 
set  sail  from  Vancouver  on  the  “Empress  of  Asia”  February  7, 
arriving  in  Manila  March  1.  Time  was  divided  about  equally 
among  the  three  countries,  China,  Japan  and  the  Philippine 
Islands,  returning  to  the  States  June  1. 


A survey  and  study  sheet  was  prepared  by  Doctor  Ziegler 
which  served  as  a valuable  guide  for  investigation  and  study. 
It  covered  all  phases  of  missionary  work  and  in  our  Council 
meetings  with  the  missionaries  enabled  us  to  come  right  to 
the  crux  of  the  situation  immediately.  Many  facts  and  sta- 
tistics were  tabulated.  From  these  and  general  information  this 
report  is  formulated  and  this  booklet  prepared. 

While  United  Brethren  Missions  abroad  are  not  so  large 
as  some  other  communions  yet  we  were  impressed  with  the 
fact  that  they  were  none  the  less  efficient  and  equally  well 
organized.  Our  missionaries  had  the  best  standing  every- 
where we  went.  We  were  also  impressed  with  the  fact  that 
the  tasks  and  the  problems  differ  with  each  field.  From  the 
home  side  we  are  prone  to  think  of  them  as  one  whole.  The 
needs  are  as  different  as  the  countries  are  separate. 

The  reader  of  these  pages  will  understand  that  we  make 
no  attempt  to  treat  these  countries  in  a comprehensive  manner 
or  any  part  of  them  in  detail.  Credit  is  due  Doctor  Ziegler 
for  collecting  those  salient  facts  and  features  which  all  United 
Brethren  people  should  know.  It  has  been  our  aim  and 
purpose  to  bring  back  an  unbias  report  of  that  which  we  dis- 
covered for  ourselves.  We  approached  these  countries  with 
much  interest  and  studied  their  problems  with  open  mind. 
Our  hope  is  that  through  our  eyes  we  may  be  able  to  help  our 
constituency  to  see  not  only  problems  but  matchless  oppor- 
tunities which  will  challenge  our  communion  to  a larger  and 
still  more  efficient  Missionary  program. 

Faithfully, 

A.  R.  CLIPPINGER,  Bishop. 


CHAPTER  I 


THE  PRESENT  UNREST 

“And  the  government  shall  be  upon  His  shoul- 
der ...  of  the  increase  of  His  government  and 
of  peace  there  shall  be  no  end.” 

The  great  liner  which  bravely  pushed  its  way  across  the 
Pacific  was  approaching  Japan.  Deck  activities  indicated 
that  we  would  dock  the  next  day  at  Yokohama  and  the  day 
following  at  Kobe.  After  passengers  and  cargo  were  dis- 
charged at  these  ports,  the  vessel  made  its  way  through  the 
beautiful  Inland  Sea  with  its  interesting  missionary  history. 
Then  it  coaled  at  Nagasaki  and  was  off  over  the  Yellow  Sea 
for  Shanghai  with  its  famous  international  settlement.  The 
next  day  the  ship  skirted  the  coast  of  China,  passing  numer- 
ous Chinese  fishing  smacks  with  their  peculiarly  square  sail, 
on  its  way  to  Hongkong.  A day  and  a night  more  were  spent 
on  the  China  Sea  before  we  reached  the  beautiful  Bay  of 
Manila. 

Slowly  the  vessel  approached  the  harbor  in  the  gray  of 
the  early  dawn.  A short  delay  in  quarantine  cleared  the  sky 
and  lighted  the  harbor  with  the  glories  of  an  Oriental  morn. 
Volumes  of  smoke  belched  from  the  funnels  of  harbor  tugs 
as  they  hurried  to  their  work.  Volumes  more  rolled  from 
ocean  greyhounds  as  they  made  their  way  with  steady  stride 
to  the  open  sea.  The  capital  city,  painted  with  the  splendors 
of  a rising  sun,  lay  in  full  view.  Beautiful  palm  trees  waved 
their  leafy  hands  in  the  breezes.  It  was  a glorious  morning 
and  the  Orient  was  bidding  us  welcome.  In  by  the  side  of  the 
pier  the  big  vessel  gently  nosed  its  bow.  Mooring  ropes  were 
cast  overboard  by  the  sailors  and  rugged  shoremen  fastened 


10 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


them  securely  to  the  dock.  The  voyage  was  ended  and  we 
were  in  the  Philippines  to  begin  our  study  of  missions  in  the 
Far  East. 

It  is  frequently  the  custom  in  a series  of  studies  like  this 
to  take  a mission  field  and  deal  with  all  the  problems  involved. 
I have  attempted,  however,  to  take  a problem  or  phase  of 
mission  work  and  deal  with  it  in  the  light  of  all  the  countries 
involved.  The  reader  must  not  think  it  strange,  therefore,  if 
he  finds  himself  returning  repeatedly  to  our  mission  fields 
bordering  on  the  China  Sea. 


Political  Independence 

Before  we  had  passed  the  customs  officials  with  our 
baggage,  reporters  were  on  hand  to  interview  Bishop  Clip- 
pinger  on  the  question  of  Philippine  independence.  By  the 
way,  a bishop  is  an  important  personage  in  the  Orient.  If  I 
visit  the  mission  fields  again  I should  like  to  be  accompanied 
by,  or  rather  accompany,  one  of  my  distinguished  brethren 
with  this  title.  Xo  political  question  in  the  Islands  is  quite  so 
important  for  the  Filipinos  as  independence.  They  discuss  it 
everywhere.  It  makes  the  best  kind  of  material  for  their 
political  campaigns.  But  we  need  not  be  surprised  at  that. 
We  remember  the  time  in  our  own  national  life  when  it  fur- 
nished material  for  the  fiery  eloquence  of  our  forefathers. 
Since  the  Versailles  Treaty  and  the  “Fourteen  Points”  pro- 
posed by  President  Wilson  there  has  been  a new  movement 
toward  political  autonomy  among  all  the  smaller  nations  of 
the  world. 

The  cause  of  independence  has  been  paramount  with  the 
Filipinos  for  centuries.  They  submitted  to  the  rule  of  Spain 
because  they  were  compelled  by  force  of  arms.  Many  times 
during  Spanish  occupancy  the  spirit  of  revolt  broke  out  in  an 
effort  to  throw  off  the  yoke  of  foreign  dominion.  The  strug- 
gle which  resulted  ultimately  in  American  interference  with 


The  Present  Unrest 


11 


Spain  began  in  1892.  It  was  characterized  by  a systematic 
campaign  for  freedom,  until  1896,  when  the  populace  rose  en 
masse  and  demanded  separation.  During  this  fierce  conflict 
their  hero  and  leader,  Jose  Rizal,  was  shamefully  executed. 
Perhaps  his  enemies  thought  that  his  death  would  put  an  end 
to  the  uprising, 
but  instead  it 
kindled  the 
flames  of  insur- 
rection afresh 
and  spread  rap- 
idly throughout 
the  adjacent 
provinces. 

At  the  con- 
c 1 u s i o n of  the 
struggle  with 
Spain  in  1898,  America  purchased  the  Islands  for  the  sum  of 
$20,000,000.  President  McKinley  said  when  he  dispatched  the 
first  Philippine  Commission  to  the  Islands,  “The  Philippines 
are  ours,  not  to  exploit  but  to  develop,  to  civilize,  to  educate, 
to  train  in  the  service  of  self-government.” 

“The  Philippines  are  for  the  Filipinos”  was  a favorite 
saying  among  the  early  civil  governors.  It  became  the  pop- 
ular motto  during  Mr.  Taft’s  administration  in  the  Islands. 
He  expressed  it  thus,  “As  the  policy  of  extending  control  (to 
the  Philippines)  continues,  it  must  logically  reduce  and  finally 
end  the  sovereignty  of  the  United  States  in  the  Islands.” 

“As  regards  the  Philippines,”  said  President  Roosevelt 
in  his  autobiography,  “My  belief  was  that  we  should  train 
them  for  self-government  as  rapidly  as  possible  and  leave  them 
free  to  decide  their  own  fate.” 

A part  of  the  preamble  of  the  Jones  Law,  passed  in  1916, 
giving  greater  privileges  in  self-government,  says:  “Whereas, 
it  is,  as  it  has  always  been,  the  purpose  of  the  people  of  the 


New  Capitol  Building  on  Taft  Avenue,  Manila 


12 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


United  States  to  withdraw  their  sovereignty  over  the  Philip- 
pine Islands  and  to  recognize  their  independence  as  soon  as  a 
stable  government  can  be  established  therein.”  These  facts 

clearly  set  forth 
the  position 
maintained  b y 
the  United 
States  govern- 
ment in  refer- 
ence to  Filipino 
independence. 
T h e Filipinos, 
therefore,  have 
been  1 e d to  be- 
lieve that  the  ul- 
timate purpose  of  the  United  States  was  to  give  them  their 
political  freedom. 


If  you  ask  a Filipino  what  America  has  done  for  the 
Philippines  he  will  answer,  “America  has  given  us  the  public 
schools  and  good  roads.”  The  little  schoolhouse  is  almost  as 
common  there  as  here.  Uarger  and  more  commodious  build- 

i n g s serve  the 

needs  in  t o w n 
and  city.  Out  of 
a population  o f 
eleven  million 
more  than  one 
million  three 
hundred  tho  u- 
sand  are  in 
school.  A net 
work  of  good 
roads  and  numerous  truck  lines  which  convey  passengers  and 
freight  between  the  towns  and  villages  have  developed  the 
spirit  of  unity  and  national  consciousness. 


Public  School,  Philippines 


The  Present  Unrest 


13 


A few  years  ago  the  American  Chamber  of  Commerce  in 
the  Philippines,  professing  to  represent  the  entire  American 
community,  is  reported  to  have  declared  that  it  would  work  to 
make  the  Philippines  a permanent  territory  of  the  United 
States.  This  propaganda  and  agitation  has  continued,  encour- 
aged partly  by  big  commercial  interests.  I was  told  by  sev- 
eral distinguished  Filipinos  that  in  order  to  counteract  that 
kind  of  propaganda  they  felt  that  it  was  necessary  to  stress 
independence. 

A very  unique  and  interesting  method  was  used  last  year 
on  Washington’s  birthday.  Professor  Bocobo,  dean  of  the 
University  of  the  Philippines,  prepared  a beautiful  prayer 
which  the  people,  assembled  in  public  schools,  halls  and 
churches,  used  unitedly  as  a petition  to  our  Heavenly  Father 
for  national  independence.  If  it  did  no  more  than  foster  love 
of  country,  communion  with  God  and  a united  intercession  it 
was  worth  while.  Seeds  were  sown  which  are  sure  to  germi- 
nate in  due  time  and  bring  forth  good  fruit.  A people  which 
takes  its  national  issues  seriously  enough  to  pray  about  them 
will  develop  a 
strong  and  rea- 
sonable leader- 
ship. 

The  mission- 
ary forces  are 
making  their 
contribution  also 
to  the  solution  of 
this  problem.  If 
any  people  are  to 
hold  secure  their  political  liberties  they  must  know  something 
about  the  larger  religious  liberties.  The  best  safeguard  for 
any  and  every  kind  of  human  liberty  is  the  spiritual  liberty 
and  righteousness  obtained  in  Christ  Jesus.  Men  who  come 


Street  Scene,  Philippines 


14 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


into  personal  possession  of  these  are  safe  custodians  of  the 
rights  and  freedom  of  others. 

Sovereign  Rights 

China’s  sovereignty  Is  tremendously  circumscribed  by  rights 
and  concessions  granted  to  foreign  powers  in  less  favorable 
days.  The  question  of  sovereign  rights,  therefore,  is  disturb- 
ing China  a great  deal,  and  incidentally  the  rest  of  the  world. 
The  recent  trouble  grew  out  of  some  labor  difficulties  in 
Shanghai  in  the  spring  of  1925.  A Chinese  workman  was  shot 
during  a labor  dispute  by  a Japanese  overseer.  Certain  stu- 
dents joined  in  a memorial  service  for  their  fallen  brother. 
Six  of  them  were  arrested,  charged  with  intent  to  disturb  the 
peace.  The  last  of  May  a small  group  appeared  on  Nanking 
Road  and  protested  against  the  retention  of  their  fellow  stu- 
dents. Another  group  gathered  at  the  jail.  They  were  fired 
upon  because  they  failed  to  disperse  when  the  police  ordered 
them  away.  Nine  students  were  killed  and  as  a result  a revo- 
lutionary fire  spread  throughout  China. 


Bridge  Connecting  Shakee  and  Shameen 


The  Present  Unrest 


15 


In  Canton,  the  home  of  rebellions,  a big  demonstration 
against  foreign  dominance  and  the  shooting  affair  in  Shanghai 
was  staged.  Hundreds  of  students  and  laborers  participated 
in  the  parade.  Canton  was  excited  and  the  situation  was  tense. 
On  Shameen,  the  foreign  concession,  actual  military  defense 
was  provided  by  placing  a barricade  of  sand  bags  and  barb- 
wire. The  remains  of  this  barricade  were  still  in  evidence 
when  we  visited  Canton  last  winter.  On  Shakee,  the  Canton 
side  of  the  100-foot  canal,  hundreds  of  students  and  work- 
men were  marching.  The  Whampoa  cadets  with  their  bay- 
onets glistening  in  the  sun  were  in  the  line  of  march  also.  In 
the  midst  of  such  strain  and  excitement  it  is  difficult  to  say 
what  did  happen.  But  one,  two,  three  shots  were  fired,  and 
immediately  there  was  pandemonium  among  the  marchers 
and  warfare  between  the  Chinese  cadets  and  the  foreign  Mi- 
litia on  the  Shameen  side  of  the  canal.  When  the  shooting 
ceased  fifty-two  Chinese  lay  dead  on  the  road  and  more  than 
a hundred  were  seriously  wounded. 

From  that  day  an 
economic  war  was  de- 
clared against  foreign 
goods,  especially  British 
and  Japanese.  According 
to  “Asia”  British  ton- 
nage shipped  into  Can- 
ton dropped  from  2,252,- 
279  in  five  months  of 
1924  to  266,930  in  the 
corresponding  five 
months  of  1925.  Trade 
with  Hongkong  was  so 
seriously  affected  that 
British  merchants  were 
losing  millions  of  dollars 
every  month.  So  bitter 


16 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


was  the  feeling  that  they  called  Shakee  the  “Twenty-third 
Day  of  June  Street”  to  commemorate  the  death  of  their  fallen 
comrades. 

This  affair  forced  the  world  powers  to  do  some  serious 
thinking  concerning  China.  A new  nationalism  was  showing 
itself.  The  fact  that  these  unarmed  students  and  workmen 
could  carry  on  an  effective  strike  and  boycott  which  cost  the 
trading  powers  millions  of  dollars  a month  was  a new  thing 
for  China.  She  had  tried  boycotts  before  but  never  more  effec- 
tively than  this  time. 

These  conditions  prevailed  while  we  were  visiting  our 
mission  in  South  China.  We  were  advised  a number  of  times 
while  en  route  to  China  not  to  go  up  to  Canton.  But  I want 
to  say  in  behalf  of  China  that  we  suffered  no  offenses  of  any 
kind.  The  Chinese  Christians  received  us  gladly  and  with 

much  welcome. 

China  had 
been  shorn  of  her 
sovereign  rights 
through  treaty 
agreements  in 
the  previous  cen- 
tury.  She  en- 
tered into  “a  uni- 
lateral agree- 
ment t o charge 
no  more  than  five  percent  ad  valorem  customs  taxes  on  goods 
brought  into  or  taken  from  the  country.  Goods  from  China 
entering  other  countries  may  be  charged  any  amount  the 
importing  country  desires.”  Extraterritoriality  was  secured 
also  by  treaty  right  and  is  “a  system  under  which  a sovereign 
Power  retains  full  control  of  its  nationals  in  territory  outside 
of  its  own.”  These  treaties  were  not  always  made  with  a view 
of  limiting  her  independence,  but  they  ultimately  resulted  in 
that. 


The  Present  Unrest 


17 


The  first  agreement  prohibits  China  from  regulating  her 
own  tariff,— a privilege  which  America  would  never  surrender. 
Before  China  can  make  any  change  she  must  secure  the  con- 
sent of  the  interested  powers.  The  privilege  of  extraterritor- 
iality denies  her  the  right  to  try  or  to  punish  offenders  within 
her  own  borders  who  may  be  subjects  of  the  treaty  powers. 
China’s  backwardness  was  responsible  for  most  of  these  regu- 
lations. A modern  world  could  not  do  business  with  this  an- 
cient land  unless  there  were  a few  modern  methods  .forced 
upon  her. 

Early  mis- 
sionaries in 
China  worked 
under  great 
handicaps. 

Robert  M o r r i- 
son  had  to  live  in 
the  most  seclud- 
ed places,  dis- 
g u i s e d as  a 
Chinaman.  For- 
eigners were  not  tolerated  until  the  treaties  of  1842-44  when 
five  ports  were  opened  to  foreign  residence.  In  1858-60  these 
treaties  were  revised  and  included  “a  guarantee  of  toleration 
for  Christianity,  and  a promise  of  protection  in  the  exercise 
of  their  faith  not  only  to  missionaries  but  also  either  ex- 
plicitly or  by  implication  to  Chinese  Christians.”  These  “tol- 
eration clauses”  as  they  were  called,  gave  missionaries  and  the 
promoters  of  Christianity  a distinct  advantage.  They  could 
enter  the  interior  of  China  with  the  same  sense  of  security 
and  protection  that  foreigners  could  enter  port  cities. 


Wooden  Gun  Boat 


Since  China  is  contending  for  the  recognition  of  her  sov- 
ereign power  and  the  withdrawal  of  what  she  calls  unequal 
treaties,  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  missionaries  and  mission 
boards  to  consider  these  toleration  clauses.  Undoubtedly  they 


18 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


rendered  a splendid 
service  during  the 
previous  decades  by 
giving  the  mission- 
ary forces  a sense  of 
security.  But  are 
they  necessary  now? 
Should  this  special 
recognition  and  priv- 
ilege be  continued? 
There  are  those  who 
think  not.  Dr.  A.  L. 
Warnshuis,  Secre- 
tary of  the  International  Missionary  Council,  says : “These 

clauses  were  a serious  blow  to  the  prestige  and  sovereignty  of 
the  Chinese  State,  as  they  practically  removed  Chinese  Chris- 
tians from  its  jurisdiction.  Under  them  the  missionary  came 
as  a part  of  the  aggressive  West,  depending  on  agreements 
wrested  from  the  Chinese  government  by  war.  His  message, 
accordingly,  could  not  but  be  compromised  and  often  was 
misunderstood.  By  no  means  every  missionary  or  every 
Chinese  Christian  invoked  their  defense,  and  so  far  as  the 
Christians  are  concerned  these  clauses  in  practice  have  become 
almost  a dead  letter.  Moreover,  through  faithful  and  con- 
sistent living,  both 
missionaries  and 
Chinese  Chris- 
tians  have  over- 
come many  of  the 
disadvantages  o f 
these  treaties  and 
have  witnessed  to 
the  coming  of 
what  a multitude 
of  Chinese  have 


Fish  Ponds  in  China 


Village  Scene  with  Clan  Tower 


The  Present  Unrest 


19 


acknowledged  to  be  a new  spiritual  and  religious  power  in  the 
ancient  Middle  Kingdom.” 

The  nations  assembled  at  Washington  promised  to  respect 
the  sovereignty  of  China.  It  is  imperative,  therefore,  that  they 
give  some  evidence  of  the  truthfulness  of  their  purpose. 

A serious  diffi- 
culty with  China 
at  the  present 
hour  is  the  lack  of 
a strong  central 
government.  She 
does  not  have  it. 

The  provinces  do 
not  have  it.  It  is 
not  to  be  found  in 
China.  Chaos 
rather  than  order  is  the  rule  at  the  present  time.  Reverend 
Hoh,  one  of  our  promising  young  ministers,  said:  “You  have 
come  to  us  at  a time  when  everything  is  in  disorder.  We  have 
just  completed  demolishing  our  old  political  structure.  The 
rubbish  and  old  material  are  lying  about  in  a very  disorderly 
fashion.  This  is  the  reason  for  the  confusion  you  see  every- 
where. The  destruction  of  the  building  is  completed,  but 
China’s  problem  is  not  solved.  She  cannot  decide  upon  a 
plan  for  the  new  government.  Some  say  we  must  have  a com- 
munistic form  of  government.  Others  say  that  if  China  is  to 
succeed  she  must  organize  along  military  lines.  Then  others, 
those  with  whom  the  revolution  began,  are  contending  for  a 
republic.  But  we  of  the  Christian  Church  are  endeavoring  to 
give  China  Christian  personality  so  that  she  might  intelli- 
gently decide  upon  what  is  best  for  all  China.”  Now  it  is  not 
strange  that  this  great  nation  with  400,000,000  people  should 
have  trouble  deciding  upon  the  kind  of  government  she  wants. 
I have  seen  some  smaller  groups  disagree  before  they  decided 
on  a plan  for  a new  church. 


20 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Communistic 
influences  have 
been  introduced 
into  South  China 
by  advisors  whom 
the  late  Dr.  Sun 
Yat  Sen  invited 
from  Russia. 
These  advisors 
are  still  connected 
w i t h the  Can- 
tonese government  and  are  propagating  communism  with  some 
success.  On  the  other  hand  we  must  not  be  surprised  if  China 
turned  to  militarism.  She  has  been  a peace  promoting  coun- 
try. Soldiers  were  never  popular  in  China,  but  circumstances 
are  making  them  very  numerous.  Internal  conditions  make 
them  a necessity,  and  many  Chinese  are  beginning  to  feel  that 
soldiers  would  be  a marked  advantage  in  their  international 
relations.  An  editorial  in  one  of  the  English  papers  of  Shang- 
hai poked  fun  at  the  weak  protest  of  the  students  and  said, 
“If  European  powers  had  merely  fought  with  words,  as  the 
students  were  doing,  they  would  not  be  ruling  the  world  to- 
day.” Such  raillery  can  not  help  but  drive  young  Chinese 
to  work  for  the  time  when  China  can  talk  with  big  guns  too. 
It  would  be  a calamity  for  the  world  if  China  were  forced  to 
adopt  a militaristic  program.  Many  of  them  look  with  hopeful 
eyes  to  the  Republic  of  the  West.  If  they  can  have  a country 
like  the  land  of  Washington  and  Lincoln  they  will  be  satisfied. 
If  the  ambitions  of  the  Chinese  Church  are  realized  China 
will  be  an  asset  rather  than  a menace  to  the  peace  and  pros- 
perity of  the  world. 

In  the  meantime  every  just  and  righteous  method  must  be 
used  to  secure  the  political  autonomy  or  sovereign  rights 
which  China  desires.  Legitimate  means  must  be  used  also  to 
help  make  China  efficient  and  strong  enough  within  to  secure 


The  Present  Unrest 


21 


the  rights  of  citizens  of  other  countries  who  may  sojourn,  live, 
or  do  business  there.  Other  nations  must  see  to  it  that  all 
their  dealings  with  China  are  just  and  righteous.  They  must 
refuse  to  protect  “concessions”  and  “privileges”  obtained  by 
their  citizens  by  means  of  fraud  and  deception  either  on  the 
part  of  foreigners  or  Chinese.  “It  was  stated  in  1919  that 
irresponsible  officials  had  mortgaged  more  than  three-fourths 
of  China’s  known  natural  resources  to  foreign  firms  at  ridicu- 
lously low  rates.”*  This  may  be  an  exaggeration  but  even 
then  the  situation  re- 
mains serious  enough 
to  be  alarming.  What 
a reflection  on  the  so- 
called  civilized  peo- 
ples of  the  west!  No 
wonder  the  Orient  is 
suspicious  of  our  mo- 
tives. We  n e e d to 
Christianize  interna- 
tional rel  a t i o n s as 
well  as  individual  re- 
lations. So  long  as  we  do  not  we  hinder  the  progress  of  the 
Kingdom  and  retard  the  march  of  Christ  in  His  reign  of  love 
across  the  nations  of  the  world. 

Racial  Discrimination 

The  Far  East  is  disturbed  by  another  very  critical  ques- 
tion. Not  only  is  the  Far  East  concerned  but  every  section  of 
the  w'orld.  It  is  the  question  of  race  and  race  relations.  The 
ever-increasing  population  of  the  world  tends  to  intensify  the 
question.  Japan’s  population  is  growing  at  the  rate  of  700,- 
000  a year  or  three  and  a half  millions  in  five  years.  Her  lim- 
ited natural  resources  and  available  land  will  not  begin  to 

*Missionary  Review,  December,  1926. 


22 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


provide  sustenance  for  such  an  enlarging  family.  Japan’s 
problem  is  like  the  problem  of  a father  with  an  ever  increasing 
family.  If  you  have  had  that  happy  experience  you  can  sym- 
pathize with  the  leaders  of  the  Japanese  Empire.  How  can 
they  feed  and  clothe  these  interesting  boys  and  girls  who  come 
into  their  land  not  of  their  own  volition? 

Japan  can  not.  It  is  a physical 
impossibility  at  least  so  far  as 
scientific  knowledge  goes  at  the 
present  time.  I have  observed  their 
wonderful  little  farms,  cultivated 
as  carefully  as  my  grandmother 
cultivated  her  garden.  Not  a weed 
is  allowed  to  grow  and  draw  upon 
the  fertility  of  the  soil.  Not  a cor- 
ner is  allowed  to  lie  vacant  and 
furnish  a place  to  collect  rubbish. 
It  is  all  under  cultivation — intense 
cultivation.  No  wonder  these  men 
knit  their  brows  and  look  serious 
whenever  the  question  comes  up. 
No  country  has  hung  out  a sign 
marked  “Welcome”  for  them. 
What  are  they  to  do? 

The  whole  world  is  occupied 
and  if  not  occupied  it  is  at  least  owned.  The  owners  have  fol- 
lowed the  example  of  the  farmer  and  erected  “no  trespassing” 
signs  until  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  are  not  at 
liberty  to  go  where  they  please.  Now  our  limited  knowledge 
compels  us  to  believe  that  a certain  amount  of  exclusion  is 
necessary  for  the  future  progress  and  happiness  of  the  whole 
world.  No  one  is  to  be  blamed  then  for  the  present  situation 
except  in  so  far  as  we  are  responsible  for  our  lack  of  definite 
knowledge  and  faith. 


The  Present  Unrest 


23 


America  joined  the  Exclusion  Club  when  it  passed  the 
Immigration  Bill  of  1924.  This  severely  wounded  the  Jap- 
anese because  they  had  such  confidence  in  America  and  such 
admiration  of  her  achievements  and  high  ideals.  It  is  most 
regrettable  that  the  legislation  should  have  been  passed  as  it 
was.  Their  proud  spirit  has  been  crushed  because  they  feel  it 
reflects  on  their 
racial  integrity.  In 
spite  of  this  we  did 
not  experience  or  ob- 
serve any  evidence  of 
resentment  any- 
where during  our 
brief  visit.  Bishop 
Clippinger  and  I 
were  received  with 
Christian  love  and 
true  Oriental  courtesy.  The  force  of  Jesus’  statement  that  “a 
prophet  is  not  without  honor  but  in  his  own  country,”  was 
never  more  evident  than  in  Japan. 

The  Japanese  church  is  truly  practicing  the  spirit  of  the 
Master  in  this  instance.  Dr.  Y.  Chiba,  president  of  the  Na- 
tional Christian  Council,  urged  the  Japanese  Church  to  take 
the  Christian  attitude.  He  said:  “Let  us  once  more  believe 

in  the  final  victory  of  right,  patience,  and  of  love.  Let  us 
remember  that  in  America  as  elsewhere,  there  are  those  who 
feel  just  as  much  hurt  about  this  matter  and  suffer  just  as 
much  because  of  it,  as  we  ourselves.  May  we  join  hands  with 
them  and  patiently  endeavor  to  bring  forth  the  realization  of 
His  will.  Let  us  not  take  an  attitude  of  ‘an  eye  for  an  eye,  and 
a tooth  for  a tooth,’  but  rather  hold  firmly  to  the  Christian 
ideal  of  life  and  progress,  to  make  the  relations  of  these  two 
countries  better,  and  to  wipe  out  racial  enmity  and  unfriendly 
feeling  between  them.  Let  us  transcend  national  boundaries.” 
This  represents  the  attitude  of  the  Christian  Church  in  Japan. 


24 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


The  right  kind  of  cooperation  and  fellowship  between  the 
Church  there  and  the  Church  in  America  can  heal  any  wound 
and  eliminate  every  misunderstanding. 

I spoke  with  the  Church 
leaders  in  our  mission  and  with 
other  Japanese  about  the  recent 
legislation.  They  admit  that  it 
is  necessary  for  us  to  regulate 
and  limit  the  number  of  immi- 
grants from  other  lands.  They 
marvel  that  we  have  been  as 
successful  as  we  have  in  amal- 
gamating the  various  races  and 
nationalities  which  have  come 
to  our  shores.  They  are  not 
asking  us  to  open  our  doors 
and  admit  all  their  sons  and 
daughters  who  may  wish  to 

School  Children  and  Huge  Bell  come.  That  would  be  an  impo- 
sition on  a good  neighbor. 
What  hurts  them  is  the  fact  that  our  Exclusion  Act  looks  like 
racial  discrimination.  The  bill  permits  the  subjects  of  all  great 
powers  of  the  world  to  enter  on  a percentage  basis  except 
Japan.  They  feel,  therefore,  that  it  places  them  “before  the 
world  as  a race  of  undesirables  and  stigmatizes  them  as  un- 
worthy to  stand  side  by  side  with  the  peoples  of  the  West.” 
We  were  seated  one  day  in  the  office  of  the  Tokyo  Misaki 
Tabernacle  (Baptist)  with  Dr.  William  Axling,  the  soul  of 
that  remarkable  institution.  His  long  service  in  Japan,  his 
intense  love  for  the  people  and  his  keen  understanding  of 
things  Japanese  afforded  a very  profitable  interview.  Bishop 
Clippinger  was  very  much  interested.  I shall  let  him  tell  the 
story  in  his  own  words. 

“In  conference  with  one  of  the  older  and  more  successful 
missionaries  in  Tokyo,  whose  name  is  well  known  in  mis- 


The  Present  Unrest 


25 


A Rickisha  Ride 


sionary  circles,  I asked  this  ques- 
tion among  many  others  : ‘What  is 
the  hardest  thing  the  missionary  in 
Japan  must  overcome  today?  Is  it 
the  Buddhistic  philosophy?  Is  it 
gross  materialism?  Or  what  is  it?’ 

I received  an  answer  I was  not  an- 
ticipating. Like  a flash  out  of  the 
clear  sky,  he  replied,  ‘The  Ameri- 
can Exclusion  Act.’  As  an  Amer- 
ican citizen  and  a Christian  inter- 
ested in  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  I 
blushed  and  said,  ‘O  God,  can  it 
be?’  I then  said,  ‘Can  not  these 
people  differentiate  between  an  act 
of  the  government  and  the  Christian  religion?’  I received  this 
answer,  ‘If  they  did  not,  the  Christian  missionary  could  not 

do  anything  by  way  of  winning  the 
Japanese  to  Christ.’  ” 

If  we  can  make  Japan  see  that 
the  basis  for  the  apparent  discrimi- 
nation was  not  racial  at  all  but 
social  and  economic  it  will  go  a 
long  way  toward  bringing  about  a 
correct  understanding  between 
these  two  great  nations  on  the  Pa- 
cific. In  order  to  help  foster  a bet- 
ter spirit  of  good  will  the  Foreign 
Mission  Board  at  its  annual  meet- 
ing in  Lima,  Ohio,  1926,  took  the 
following  action  in  reference  to 
this  question : 

“We  express  our  deep  convic- 

. tion  that  all  aliens  within  our  bor- 

Mrs.  Kmpp  and  Japanese  , . , , , 

Children  ders  should  be  treated  on  the  same 


26 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


basis  without  discrimination  because  of  race  or  color,  and  that 
in  determining  eligibility  of  aliens  to  naturalization  we  would 
urge  our  Congress  to  set  up  high  standards  in  intelligence  and 
character  which  would  be  applicable  to  all  aliens,  including  the 
Japanese,  Chinese  and  Hindus  now  resident  in  the  United 
States. 

“We  would  recognize  the  critical  importance  of  proper 
restriction  of  immigration.  At  the  same  time  we  would  affirm 
our  whole-hearted  belief  in  the  Christian  doctrine  of  the  broth- 
erhood of  all  men  of  whatever  race  or  color  and  we  would  urge 
our  Congress,  when  it  adopts  a new  immigration  bill  to  go 
into  effect  July  1,  1927,  that  it  put  all  immigration  on  the 
quota  basis.” 

If  the  American  people  will  follow  some  such  policy  it  will 
help  the  different  races  and  nationalities  to  see  more  clearly 
the  gospel  teaching  of  the  brotherhood  of  man.  Can  the 
Church  do  any  less? 


CHAPTER  II 


PROPHECY  FULFILLED 

“And  they  shall  come  from  the  east  and  west,  and 
from  the  north  and  south,  and  shall  sit  down  in  the 
Kingdom  of  God.” 

Christianity  has  become  indigenous  to  the  soil  and  the 
people  of  the  Far  East.  The  Kingdom  of  God  has  actually 
become  a reality  among  them.  It  might  be  possible  to  restrict 
its  growth  and  hinder  its  progress,  but  not  to  eradicate  it.  The 

foundation  is  laid  in  the  national 
churches  for  the  most  marvelous 
growth  Christendom  has  ever  seen. 
But  this  growth  will  depend  for  the 
present  upon  the  continued  support 
of  the  various  mission  boards  and 
societies  in  Europe  and  America. 

The  people  of  these  lands  have 
paid  a price  for  their  faith  which 
many  in  America  would  pay  re- 
luctantly. In  most  instances  they 
set  themselves  as  Jesus  did  against 
the  whole  social  order.  Men  do  not 
sever  family  relations,  forfeit  social 
prestige,  renounce  close  friends,  for- 
sake old  faiths,  and  accept  a new 
religion  without  paying  the  conse- 
quences in  an  isolated  and  perse- 
cuted life. 

The  Church  on  the  foreign  field  is  an  institution  born  out 
of  turmoil  and  persecution.  It  is  a virile  church.  It  is  a 
glorious  company  of  devoted  followers.  While  their  numbers 
are  few  compared  with  the  multitudes  about  them,  yet  their 


23 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


loyalty  and  devotion  are  among  the  highest.  They  represent 
a spirit  which  is  akin  to  the  spirit  of  the  early  Christian 
Church. 

Church  Growth 

The  Christian  Church  in  Japan  is  influencing  the  country 
far  more  widely  than  its  numerical  strength  would  indicate. 
The  new  standards  and  ideals  which  are  being  adopted  indi- 
cate this.  The  government,  business,  industry,  education  and 
social  life  are  all  more  or  less  affected  by  it.  Christianity  made 
its  first  converts  among  the  Samurai  class  which  furnished 
many  leaders  for  the  new  Japan.  Christians  are  found  among 
army  and  navy  officers,  state  officials,  university  professors, 
and  leading  business  men.  A professor  in  the  Imperial  Uni- 
versity at  Tokyo  said:  “At  least  a million  Japanese  outside 

the  Christian  Church  have  so  come  to  understand  Christianity 
that,  although  as  yet  unbaptized,  they  are  framing  their  lives 
according  to  the  teachings  of  Christ.” 

The  Christian  Church  planted  in  Japan  by  the  Evangelical 
missionary  force  of  Europe  and  America  has  a membership  of 


First  U.  B.  Church,  Kyoto,  Japan 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


29 


134,547.  It  has  1,349  organized  congregations  and  950  or- 
dained pastors.  Besides  this  there  are  2,585  other  workers 
employed  and  744  young  Japanese  taking  special  training  for 
Christian  service.  Accessions  have  averaged  12,472  a year,  and 
the  contributions  toward  self-support  have  been  more  than 
$915,000. 

The  organ- 
ized Protestant 
Church  in  the 
Philippines  con- 
si  s t s of  64,184 
m e m bers,  573 
organized 
churches,  and 
1997  Filipino 
workers,  includ- 
ing 171  ordained 
ministers.  The  number  of  accessions  received  is  7,000  or  more 
annually.  There  are  289  young  people  in  school  preparing  for 
definite  Christian  service.  Contributions  made  by  the  national 
church  have  reached  $82,051  a year. 

Rev.  Enrique  Sobrepena  who  returned  to  the  Philippines 
after  completing  his  studies  in  America  writes:  “The  Islands 
are  certainly  ripe  for  harvest,  for  the  best  harvest,  too.  The 
young  people  are  surely  earnestly  seeking  for  the  food  which 
perisheth  not  but  which  abideth  unto  eternal  life.” 

The  church  in  China  is  growing  in  spite  of  persecution. 
It  has  402,539  baptized  members,  1,966  ordained  ministers 
and  25,012  other  Chinese  workers.  The  5,424  organized 
churches  have  more  than  35,000  accessions  each  year.  The 
latest  available  figures  give  3,940  young  Chinese  in  preparation 
for  Christian  service,  and  contributions  made  by  the  national 
church  as  over  $700,000  annually.  It  is  estimated  that  there 
are  300,000  students  in  the  Christian  colleges  of  China.  While 


30 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


it  is  a little  more  than  a century  since  Christianity  entered, 
yet  it  has  grown  far  beyond  the  vision  of  its  pioneers. 

If  these  facts  look  like  so  many 
figures  of  course  they  lose  their 
real  meaning.  They  are  more  than 
figures.  They  are  a mathematical 
measurement  of  the  spiritual  chan- 
nels and  agencies  which  are  trans- 
forming the  Orient. 

We  have  had  a part  in  forming 
this  church  in  the  Far  East.  Our 
missions  and  missionaries  built  up 
a section  of  the  wall.  If  our  men 
and  women  had  not  been  there  it 
would  not  have  been  built.  La 
Union  Province.  Philippine  Is- 
lands, is  evangelized  and  sections 
of  Mountain  Province  are  being 
reached  because  our  missionaries 
have  been  in  the  Philippines.  Many  towns  and  villages  in 

South  China  have 
the  gospel  because 
we  sent  our  repre- 
sentatives t o that 
far  country.  We 
have  contributed 
practically  all  the 
Christian  work  now 
resident  in  Siu 
Lam.  There  are 
other  rural  villages 
of  which  that  could 
be  said.  Our  mis- 
sionary endeavors  in  Japan  stretch  from  Tokyo  to  Kobe  with 
creditable  congregations  in  every  one  of  the  big  centers.  They 


Chinese  Farmer 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


31 


are  building  themselves  into  the  great  Christian  movement. 
It  is  this  new  leaven  in  the  Orient  which  is  responsible  for 
more  changes  than  any  other  force. 

Annual  Conference 

One  gets  a good  idea  of  the  national  church  in  any  mis- 
sion field  by  sitting  in  conference  with  their  leaders.  Bishop 
Clippinger  and  I had  this  privilege  in  the  Philippines.  The 
Annual  Conference  met  at  Baguio  the  last  week  of  our  visit. 
Bishop  Clippinger  presided  with  all  the  grace  and  dignity 
worthy  of  the  office.  The  brethren  appreciated  his  presence. 
It  was  the  first  time  they  had  a bishop  to  sit  with  them  since 
the  last  visit  of  Bishop  Howard  in  1917.  But  what  I wanted 
to  say  was  that  the  sessions  of  the  annual  conference  actually 
revealed  the  strength  of  the  church  in  the  Philippines.  We 
caught  the  force  of  the  movement  and  the  depth  of  their 
religious  convictions  in  that  gathering.  There  was  no  doubt 
about  the  genuineness  of  their  faith  and  conversion.  The  very 
fervor  and  earnestness  with  which  they  entered  into  the  ses- 
sions were  an  evidence  of  that.  There  was  no  sham.  The 


Filipino  Conference — 1926 


32 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Philippines  had  to  be  won  for  Christ  and  they  were  the  people 
to  help  do  it.  They  planned  just  as  prayerfully  and  deliber- 
ately for  the  evangelization  of  sections  of  Mountain  Province 
as  we  would  plan  to  enter  a new  mission  center  in  America. 

Their  reports  signified  faithful  .work.  The  number  of 
accessions  for  the  year  was  gratifying.  Progress  had  been 
made  in  self-support.  Many  of  the  men  are  serving  for  very 
small  salaries,  salaries  in  keeping  with  the  people  and  com- 
munity which  they  serve.  The  remarkable  thing  about  the 
whole  meeting  was  the  manifest  presence  and  spirit  of  Christ. 
They  were  different,  and  different  simply  because  they  had 
surrendered  themselves  to  a higher  and  greater  Person,  who 
had  made  new  men  and  women  out  of  them. 

The  efficient  supervision  of  our  Superintendent,  Dr.  H.  W. 
Widdoes,  is  responsible  for  this  fine  piece  of  mission  work. 
Doctor  Widdoes  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  outstanding  mis- 
sionaries in  the  Islands.  No  work  is  better  organized  nor 

promoted  more 
successfully. 

At  the  clos- 
ing session  Sun- 
day morning  the 
little  chapel  was 
crowded  t o the 
doors.  Many  oc- 
cupied the  yard 
with  the  hope  of 
getting  a part  of 
the  bishop’s  mes- 
sage through  the  open  windows.  Two  young  men  were  or- 
dained to  the  ministry  and  twelve  graduates  of  our  Bible 
Training  School  at  San  Fernando  were  consecrated  to  the  dea- 
coness service.  It  was  a great  hour.  The  weather  was  beau- 
tiful and  the  spirit  of  Palm  Sunday  pervaded  the  air.  There 
was  just  one  thing  which  marred  the  service.  The  bishop  had 


Chapel  at  Baguio 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


33 


to  be  very  brief  and  leave  very  abruptly  in  order  to  make  the 
“Empress  of  Russia”  which  was  scheduled  to  sail  at  5 :00  P.  M. 
Now  Manila  was  175  miles  away  and  the  mountain  trail  over 
which  he  had  to  go  was  narrow  and  dangerous.  But  in  spite 
of  three  punctures  the  driver  with  a six  cylinder  Buick  got  him 
there  three  and  one-half  hours  before  the  boat  sailed.  Fortu- 
nate for  the  bishop,  the  vessel  was  delayed  and  did  not  get 
away  until  9:00  P.  M.  Otherwise  he  would  have  been  left  in 
Manila. 

Group  Meetings 

The  disturbed  condition  in  China  made  it  impossible  to 
have  a conference  with  all  the  Chinese  pastors  and  workers 
present.  We  had  to  be  content  with  several  small  group 
meetings  cover- 
ing a variety  of 
mission  w o r k. 

The  most  inter- 
esting and  im- 
portant of  these 
gatherings  was 
the  meeting  with 
the  Executive 
Committee  of  the 
Kwangtung  Di- 
visional Council 
of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  China.  Mr.  Leung  Siu  Choh, 
General  Secretary  Canton  Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  Chairman  of 
the  Council,  was  present.  Prof.  Y.  S.  Taam,  member  of 
the  staff  at  the  Union  Theological  College  and  Mr.  K.  H. 
Chin  were  present  also.  Other  representative  men  and  women 
of  the  Chinese  Church  and  various  missions  participated. 
The  important  question  had  to  do  with  the  relation  of  this 
new  Council  with  the  Boards  at  home.  Here  was  an  organi- 
zation consisting  largely  of  Chinese  Christians  which  was 
actually  ready  to  assume  certain  responsibilities  formerly 


Teachers,  Siu  Lam  Boys’  School 


34 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


borne  by  the  mission  councils.  Another  helpful  conference 
was  held  with  our  Chinese  officials  at  Canton  and  still  an- 
other with  the  faculty  of  the  Siu 
Lam  Boys’  School.  These  meet- 
ings had  to  do  with  local  church 
administration  a n d the  manage- 
ment of  the  day  schools  which  had 
recently  been  put  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Chinese  congrega- 
tions. V e r y satisfactory  results 
were  being  obtained  under  this  new 
system.  The  genius  of  Rev.  C.  W. 
Shoop  as  a mission  administrator 
was  evident  in  all  these  meetings. 


Rev.  C.  W.  Shoop 


District  Rallies 

In  Japan  two  district  meetings 
were  arranged,  one  centering  in 
and  around  Tokyo  and  the  other 
around  Kyoto.  The  sessions  began  in  the  morning  and  con- 
tinued through  the  evening.  The  morning  was  spent  in  con- 
sultation with  the  pastors,  the  afternoon  in  discussion  groups 
and  the  evening  was  given  over  to  an  inspirational  service. 
The  important  question  was  the  development  of  self-support. 
A false  idea  as  to  how  money  is  secured  in  America  for  Chris- 
tian work  is  very  prevalent  on  the  foreign  field.  The  brethren 
did  not  realize  that  it  was  practically  as  difficult  to  raise  the 
money  necessary  for  the  home  church  and  all  its  activities  as 
it  was  for  them  to  raise  the  money  they  needed.  In  referring 
to  these  conferences  Doctor  Shively  says  in  his  annual  report, 
“Already  there  are  decided  evidences  of  the  benefit  of  these 
conferences.  But  the  real  and  abiding  results  are  only  now 
beginning  to  shape  themselves.  Our  pastors  gratefully  ac- 
knowledge the  help  they  have  received  through  the  visita- 
tion. One  of  the  leaders  in  summing  up  the  influence  left  on 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


35 


Members  of  Zeze  Church 

the  church  says,  ‘The  Spirit  of  our  people  has  been  lifted  to 
higher  levels.  They  have  now  a new  sense  of  responsibility 
for  the  various  works  of  the  church.  We  have  many  new  tith- 
ers  npw.’  ” 

We  had  an  interesting  meeting  with  the  Rijikai.  It  is  the 
conference  advisory  council  and  consists  of  ten  members,  three 
missionaries  and  seven  Japanese.  They  conduct  all  business 
during  the  interim  of  the  annual  conference.  This  group 
brought  two  questions  to  our  attention;  the  first  was  the  need 
of  permanent  church  houses  ; the  second  was  the  unreached 
rural  communities.  These  men  feel  that  something  must  be 
done  to  hasten  the  solution  of  these  two  problems.  We 
shall  have  more  to  say  about  this  later. 

It  was  my  privilege  to  meet  one  evening  with  the  pastor 
and  officials  of  the  Honjo  congregation  in  Tokyo.  It  was  in 
this  section  of  the  city  that  such  terrible  destruction  occurred 
during  the  earthquake  in  1923.  The  church  building  was  de- 
stroyed and  practically  every  family  suffered  heavy  losses. 
Some  had  lost  loved  ones  and  many  their  entire  possessions,  so 
that  the  congregation  was  reduced  to  one-fourth  its  former 


36 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Rijikai  in  Japan 


strength.  But  they  were  not  discouraged.  They  presented 
me  with  a small  image  of  Damura,  whom  an  old  legend  says 
always  surmounted  difficulties,  obstacles  and  discourage- 
ments. They  said,  “We  are  like  him,  we  mean  to  make  a 
bigger  and  better  church,  better  homes  and  a better  city.”  This 
truly  represents  the  faith  and  purpose  of  the  Japanese  church 
in  its  reconstruction  program  for  the  whole  Empire.  This 
informal  conference  was  followed  by  the  evening  service 
which  was  well  attended.  The  men  of  the  community  prac- 
tically filled  the  little  barracks  building  which  is  used  as  a 
church.  After  the  message,  which  I had  the  privilege  of  de- 
livering, a call  was  made  for  a further  study  of  Christianity 
and  twenty-two  responded. 

Transferring  Responsibility 

Our  Filipino  brethren  have  shown  themselves  capable  of 
bearing  more  responsibility  in  church  work.  The  Mission 
Council,  recognizing  this  ability,  gradually  transferred  certain 
phases  of  work  to  their  shoulders.  This  helped  to  call  out  and 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


37 


bring  to  maturity  efficient  young  leaders  so  that  today  we  re- 
joice in  having  some  of  the  best  and  most  efficient  Filipino 
pastors  and  laymen  to  be  found  anywhere  in  the  Islands. 

A business  committee,  consisting  of  eight  Filipinos  and 
two  missionaries,  acts  as  the  superintendent’s  advisory  cabinet. 
This  arrangement  gives  them  due  recognition  and  liberty  in 
the  management  of  affairs.  The  committee  has  been  func- 
tioning for  some  years  and  is  growing  in  efficiency  and  use- 
fulness. Another  advanced  step  was  taken  at  the  session  of 
their  conference  in  1926  when  Bishop  Clippinger  appointed 
Rev.  C.  P.  Lorenzana  Conference  Superintendent.  This  is  the 
first  foreign  con- 
ference to  be  su- 
pervised by  a na- 
t i o n a 1 leader. 

Latest  reports 
from  the  field  in- 
dicate that  he  is 
doing  exception- 
ally fine  work. 

These  ad- 
v a n c e d steps 
were  taken  in 
recognition  of 
their  ability  to 
manage  affairs 
themselves.  Of 
course  the  full 
responsibility  of 
the  mission  does 
not  rest  upon 
these  brethren,  but  they  are  largely  responsible  for  their  own 
conference  work.  This  leaves  the  mission  free  to  give  itself 
to  our  institutions  and  the  work  recently  begun  in  a new  way 
at  Ifugao  and  Kalinga. 


Rev.  C.  P.  Lorenzana,  Bishop  A.  R.  Clippinger 
Dr.  S.  G.  Ziegler,  Rev.  J.  A.  Abellera 


38 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


The  best  missionary  administrators  in  China  are  wrest- 
ling with  this  problem  also.  They  recommend  the  transfer  of 
responsibility  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Dr.  E.  G.  Lobenstine, 
foreign  secretary  for  the  National  Christian  Council  in  China, 
assured  us  in  a conference  we  had  with  him  that  it  was  safe 
to  entrust  the  Chinese  Christians  with  as  much  responsibility 
in  the  church  management  as  they  desired.  He  said,  “I  would 
rather  err  on  the  side  of  giving  them  too  much  than  on  the 
side  of  holding  full  authority  too  long  in  the  hands  of  the  mis- 
sion." The  danger  seems  to  be  in  the  fact  that  the  Boards  do 
not  have  enough  confidence  in  the  results  of  their  labors 
abroad  to  make  the  transfer.  In  the  conference  which  Dr. 
John  R.  Mott  had  with  missionaries  and  Chinese  Christians  at 
Shanghai,  January,  1926,  the  following  recommendation  was 
adopted : 

"This  conference  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  consummation 
of  the  missionary  task  is  the  establishment  of  a self-govern- 
ing, self-propagating  and  self-supporting  Church.  That 
Church  should  have  full  freedom  in  the  development  of 
its  spiritual  life ! it  should  have  ecclesiastical  autonomy.  . . . 
The  administration  of  the  whole  Christian  enterprise,  includ- 
ing all  these  forms  which  are  supported  front  within  and  with- 
out China,  should  pass  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  the  Church  in 
China.” 

In  Japan  the  situation  is  more  ad- 
vanced. Responsibilities  formerly  borne 
by  the  Mission  Council  are  now  resting 
upon  the  Rijikai  and  Japan  Conference. 
Questions  which  the  missionaries  decided 
in  the  past  are  now  brought  before  the 
Japanese  for  their  decision.  This  develops 
self-reliance  and  prepares  them  for  the  big 
task  which  they  must  ultimately  shoulder. 
During  the  absence  of  Reverend  Knipp, 
who  had  the  supervision  of  the  work,  it 


Japanese  Child 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


39 


was  decided  by  the  Council  that  Doctor  Shively  act  as  secre- 
tary and  that  all  correspondence  between  the  Mission  in  Japan 
and  the  Board  at  home  be  carried  on  by  him.  The  supervision 
and  administration  was  left  in  the  hands  of  ihe  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  Rijikai  which  consists  of  Doctor  Shively,  mis- 
sion secretary,  Rev.  C.  Yasuda,  Executive  Secretary  of  the 
Rijikai,  and  Reverend  Ono,  conference  treasurer.  It  was  ap- 
proved by  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board  on  the 
recommendation  of 
the  Mission  Coun- 
cil. We  feel  that  it 
is  a step  in  the 
right  direction.  The 
Japanese  ought  to 
be  entrusted  with 
the  responsibility 
of  administering 


Japanese  Children  at  Play 


their  own  w o r k. 

However,  they 
themselves  expressed  a desire  that  final  supervision  should 
reside  in  the  Mission  until  such  time  as  they  are  able  to  raise 
more  money  for  the  work.  This  is  an  important  question.  If 
the  Japanese  are  really  able  to  administer  the  work  should  we 
insist  on  final  say  simply  because  we  furnish  the  bulk  of  the 
support?  Good  Christian  statesmanship  demands  that  we  re- 
linquish our  final  prerogatives  just  as  soon  as  the  Japanese  can 
handle  it  themselves.  We  must  be  willing  to  grant  them 
equal  voting  privileges  with  us  in  administering  the  work,  pro- 
viding they  are  ready  for  it,  no  matter  what  portion  of  the 
funds  they  contribute.  These  men  have  as  much  concern  for 
the  salvation  of  their  country  as  we  have  and  they  can  be  as 
safely  trusted  to  the  leadership  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  we  can. 


These  are  simply  so  many  evidences  of  the  growing 
church  of  the  Orient.  If  this  responsibility  is  transferred 
wisely  it  will  stimulate  growth  rather  than  hinder  it.  We 


40 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


must  continue,  however,  to  assist  them  in  the  same  Christian 
spirit  with  which  we  formerly  led  them. 

Union  Movements 

One  of  the  weaknesses  of  mission  work  has  been  the  mul- 
tiplicity of  denominational  missions.  These  differences  are 
never  clear  to  the  people  among  whom  the  missionaries  work. 
Denominational  divisions  have  a tendency  to  keep  the  church 
small  and  dependent.  Just  a few  denominations  have  been 
able  to  do  work  on  a big  scale  and  develop  it  sufficiently  to 
make  it  a real  factor  in  the  social  and  moral  life  of  the  country. 
No  strong  church  can  be  built  up  out  of  struggling  dependent 
congregations  or  missions  which  have  to  be  subsidized  with 
appropriations  from  abroad.  Such  conditions  make  Christian- 
ity appear  like  foreign  propaganda.  For  that  reason  it  is  op- 
posed by  certain  nationals.  The  anti-Christian  movement  in 
China  is  really  an  anti-foreign  movement.  Christianity  is 
hated  not  because  of  its  teachings  and  ideals,  but  because  it 
appears  to  represent  foreign  countries  whose  international 
relations  and  conducts  have  not  always  been  just. 

The  union  of  the  various  mission  forces  will  eliminate 
some  of  the  reasons  for  the  present  criticism.  It  will  make  the 

church  and  the 
church  system 
bigger  and  more 
important  than 
the  mission  in- 
stitutions. It  will 
promote  self- 
consciousness 
and  a sense  of 
responsibility 
among  the  na- 
tionals. It  will  clarify  the  position  of  our  Chinese  workers  so 
that  they  will  not  be  slandered  by  those  who  say  the  pastor 


Sacred  Lanterns 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


41 


and  church  worker  are  in  the  employ  of  the  Mission  rather 
than  the  national  church.  It  will  give  force  and  prestige  to  the 
Church  as  an  institution  manned  by  the  nationals  themselves. 

In  order  to  overcome  these  hindrances  the  nationals  in  the 
various  missions  urged  organic  union.  It  was  considered  for 
some  time  in  South  China.  At  last  plans  were  made  and  the 
Kwangtung  Divisional  Council  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in 
China  was  organized.  It  consists  of  the  churches  planted  by 
the  following  organizations : London  Missionary  Society, 

American  Board  Mission,  American  Presbyterian  Mission 
(North),  New  Zealand  Presbyterian  Mission,  Canadian  Pres- 
byterian Mission,  United  Brethren  in  Christ  Mission,  Swedish 
American  Mission,  the  Chinese  Independent  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  the  Chinese  Congregational  Church.  It  consists 
of  nine  district  associations  (presbyteries),  over  two  hundred 
preaching  places,  of  which  one  hundred  and  twenty  are  or- 
ganized churches.  Thirty  of  these  are  independent  of  outside 
aid.  The  membership  is  nearly  20,000. 

The  Mission  Council  in  China  recommended  the  approval 
of  the  union  and  the  authorization  of  our  foreign  mission  con- 
ference to  unite  with  the  movement.  The  deputation  also  con- 
curred in  this  opinion  and  so  expressed  itself  in  its  report  to 
the  Board.  The  matter  wras  taken  under  consideration  at  the 
last  Board  meeting  and  finally  approved  by  the  adoption  of 
the  following  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  China : 

“We  wish  further  to  express  our  sympathy  with  the  felt 
need  on  the  part  of  our  Chinese  leaders  for  the  privilege  of 
cooperating  in  the  fullest  possible  way  with  other  Christian 
believers  in  China  in  the  development  of  a church  in  China 
united  and  strong  enough  to  meet  the  moral  and  spiritual 
needs  of  great  China  in  this  critical  hour. 

“We  wish,  therefore,  to  express  our  sanction  of  the  pian 
desired  by  our  Chinese  United  Brethren  to  merge  our  Church 
organization  in  China  into  the  nation-wide  Chinese  Church  of 
Christ. 


42 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


“We  wish  to  assure  our  Chinese  co-workers  that  this 
change  in  ecclesiastical  relationship  will  mean  no  change  in 
our  love,  sympathy,  confidence  and  hope,  or  change  in  our 
eagerness  to  cooperate  in  the  promotion  of  Chinese  welfare 
to  the  full  measure  of  our  ability.” 

When  this  plan  is  finally  adopted  by  all  the  cooperating 
boards  it  will  alter  the  plan  of  administration  by  making  the 
Divisional  Council  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  China  its  admin- 
istrative agent  on  the  field.  Heretofore  the  Boards  dealt  di- 
rectly with  their  respective  Mission  Councils.  Hereafter  they 
will  deal  with  the  Divisional  Council.  This  Council  is  elected 
by  the  Chinese  Church  and  consists  of  both  Chinese  and  mis- 
sionaries. It  will  fix  the  budget  for  the  work  and  submit  it  to 
the  various  boards.  It  will  survey  the  field  and  determine  the 
program  for  their  evangelistic  work.  All  business  form- 
erly transacted  between  the  Mission  Councils  and  the  Home 
Board  will  be  transacted  between  the  Council  and  the  Home 
Board,  except  matters  referring  to  the  housing  and  personal 
affairs  of  the  missionaries  and  mission  institutions  which  the 
Chinese  Church  is  not  able  to  finance  or  administer. 

This  action  puts  us  in  line  with  one  of  the  greatest  church 
movements  on  the  mission  field  at  the  present  time.  The  task 
of  Christianity  is  not  simply  to  establish  and  maintain  a large 
number  of  churches,  schools  and  hospitals.  It  is  to  reach  ev- 
erybody with  the  Gospel  message  and  to  put  into  effect  in  the 
life  of  the  individual  and  society  the  spirit  and  life  of  Jesus. 
This  can  best  be  done  by  the  Chinese  Church  if  it  is  ably 
assisted  by  great  and  unselfish  missionary  efforts  from  abroad. 
We  must  learn  to  play  such  a magnanimous  part. 

In  the  Philippines 

An  effort  was  made  from  the  beginning  of  Protestant  Mis- 
sions in  the  Philippine  Islands  to  have  all  the  churches  adopt 
the  name  “Evangelical.”  Other  efforts  looking  toward  union 
were  made,  but  nothing  definite  was  accomplished  until  two 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


43 


years  ago.  At  that  time  the  Presbyterian  and  Congregational 
churches  in  the  Philippines,  which  have  always  been  inde- 
pendent of  the  home  church,  voted  to  enter  a proposed  union 
to  form  the  Church  of  Christ  in  the  Philippines.  Our  own 
Filipino  Conference  took  similar  action,  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  the  home  board. 

This  action  was  submitted  to  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  home  board  and  the  Mission  Council  was  authorized  “to 
proceed  with  the  necessary  steps  for  uniting  with  the  Presby- 
terian and  Congregational  Churches”  in  their  efforts  to  form 
the  Church  of  Christ  in  the  Philippines.  During  our  recent 
visit  the  plan  of  organization  was  submitted  to  the  Filipino 
Annual  Conference  for  consideration.  It  was  adopted  by  the 
Conference  after  five  amendments  were  approved,  and  then 
submitted  to  the  Board  for  its  approval.  The  Board  consid- 
ered the  matter  at  its  last  session  and  gave  its  approval  to 
the  plan  as  amended.  This  union  will  make  a strong  nucleus 
for  The  Church  of  Christ  in  the  Philippines.  It  is  destined 
to  become  one  of  the  strongest  Christian  forces  in  the  Orient 
and  will  mean  much  in  the  evangelization  of  the  Far  East. 

Manila  Church 

Our  Mission  work  in  Manila  was  staited  primarily  to 
meet  the  needs  of  the  Ilocano  speaking  Filipinos  who  came  to 
the  city.  Later  the  Mission  began  to  reach  out  among  the 
English  speaking 
Filipino  students. 

This  latter  work 
presented  a m u c h 
larger  field  than  the 
former  because  we 
w ere  located  in  a 
center  w here  53 
schools  and  col- 
leges  c o u 1 d be 


Manila  Church 


44 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


reached  within  a radius  of  five-eighths  of  a mile.  The  com- 
bined student  body  totaled  10,000.  It  was  an  unusual  oppor- 
tunity because  of  the  possibility  of  influencing  the  future  lead- 
ership in  the  Islands.  New  adjustments  were  made  and  the 
major  part  of  the  work  was  carried  on  in  English  in  order  to 
reach  these  young  people.  An  Ilocano  service  was  held  at 
8:00  A.  M.  This  was  followed  by  the  Bible  School  at  8:45  in 
English.  There  was  one  class  in  Ilocano  for  such  as  desired  to 
enter  it,  and  at  9:45  they  had  public  worship  in  English.  Thus 
the  work  and  services  were  divided  between  the  English  and 
Ilocano  in  order  to  render  the  largest  service  and  meet  the 
numerous  needs  on  every  hand. 

In  December,  1923,  a proposition  was  made  by  certain 
leaders  that  a union  effort  be  launched  in  behalf  of  the  stu- 
dents. Later  a group  of  Filipino  leaders  and  some  mission- 
aries got  together  to  discuss  the  possibilities  of  a United 
Church  for  the  Philippines.  A desire  was  expressed  for  an 
English  speaking  Filipino  Church  on  the  north  side  of  the 
river.  A committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  representa- 
tives from  the  Congregational,  Presbyterian  and  United 
Brethren  Missions.  Plans  of  cooperation  were  agreed  upon. 
Our  church  in  Manila  was  invited  to  join  its  forces  with  others 
in  a united  effort  among  English  speaking  Filipinos,  especially 
students.  The  invitation  was  accepted  and  the  United  Church 
was  formally  launched. 

These  consecrated  and  devoted  men  and  women  desired 
a new  church  building,  so  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the 
United  Church  of  Manila  in  order  that  they  might  raise  funds 
and  hold  legal  title  to  property.  They'  submitted  a proposi- 
tion to  the  Board  in  which  they  expressed  a willingness  to 
erect  a $35,000  church  building  if  the  Board  granted  them  the 
privilege  to  use  the  lot  on  which  the  old  building  stands  and 
to  which  we  hold  title.  The  Board  proposed  Articles  of  Agree- 
ment, which  if  they  accept,  will  protect  the  property  rights  of 
froth  parties,  and  yet  make  possible  a commodious,  attractive 


Prophecy  Fulfilled 


45 


church  erected  out  of  funds  provided  on  the  field  by  the  Na- 
tional Church.  This  United  Church  is  the  first  practical  step 
in  the  larger  union  mentioned  above. 

In  Japan 

About  twenty  years  ago  several  missions,  like  the  vari- 
ous divisions  of  Methodism,  came  together  and  formed  the 
Methodist  Church  in  Japan  which  is  separate  and  apart  from 
Methodism  in  America  or  Europe. 

The  Presbyterian  and  Reformed 
Missions  united  before  the  close  of 
the  last  century  to  form  the  Church 
of  Christ  in  Japan.  Some  efforts  have 
been  made  to  launch  a general  move- 
ment to  unite  all  the  branches  of 
Protestantism.  If  this  could  be  ac- 
complished it  would  be  a distinct 
gain  to  the  Christian  cause  in  Japan. 

The  losses  in  membership 
among  some  of  the  smaller  missions 
and  denominations  is  so  great  that 
they  are  beginning  to  see  the  need 
of  closer  cooperation.  There  has  been  a large  migration  of 
people  from  one  section  to  another  during  these  years  of  in- 
dustrialization and  following  the  destructive  earthquake.  De- 
nominations which  cover  a small  territory  lose  many  members 
each  year,  ours  among  the  rest.  Many  of  these  members  do 
not  affiliate  with  another  church  and  so  are  lost  finally  to  the 
cause.  If  the  churches  were  united  this  form  of  leakage  could 
be  reduced  greatly.  As  it  is  now  nothing  special  is  being 
done  to  stop  it. 

Our  Japanese  brethren  and  missionaries  see  this.  They 
took  action  at  their  Rijikai  meeting  during  our  visit,  authoriz- 
ing their  secretary  to  inform  the  Executive  Secretary  of  the 
National  Christian  Council  that  they  look  with  favor  upon 


46 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


church  union  and  are  willing  to  consider  any  plans  which  the 
National  Council  or  any  mission  might  propose.  This  action 
opens  the  way  for  union.  It  is  sure  to  eliminate  the  losses 
which  we  are  suffering  and  ultimately  strengthen  the  Christian 
movement  in  Japan. 


CHAPTER  III 


OUR  SPECIFIC  TASK 

“He  left  nothing  undone  of  all  that  the  Lord 
commanded.” 

Our  mission  work  in  the  Philippines  was  started  among 
the  llocanos  in  La  Union  Province.  The  missionaries  located 
at  San  Fernando,  the  capital  of  the  province  and  made  it  their 
headquarters.  From  there  the  mis- 
sion branched  out.  reaching  various 
towns  and  villages  until  practically 
the  whole  province  was  covered. 

The  natives  of  the  province  were 
among  the  most  aggressive  of 
the  lowland  people.  This  accounts 
for  the  remarkable  leadership 
which  has  been  developed  in  the 
Church.  One  of  the  boys  reached 
in  those  early  days  is  now  a mem- 
ber of  the  Filipino  Senate  and 
president  of  the  National  Univer- 
sity located  at  Manila.  He  is  Senator  Catnilo  Osias,  an  edu- 
cator and  statesman  of  far-reaching  influence.  Church  lead- 
ers of  equal  promi- 
nence a n d influence 
have  been  produced 
from  these  interesting 
and  aggressive  peo- 
ple. 

Certain  institu- 
tions were  established 
here  — the  Bible 
Training  School,  the 
Evangel  Press  and  a 


Street  Scene,  San  Fernando 


San  Fernando  Market 


48 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


hospital.  They  are  rendering  excellent  service  to  the  church 
and  community. 

The  provincial  high  school  is  located  in  this  city.  Last 
spring  when  we  visited  the  Islands  the  enrollment  was  2,300. 
Bishop  Clippinger  and  I had  the  privilege  of  addressing  this 
body  of  young  people.  There  was  no  auditorium  in  the  city  N 
able  to  accommodate  such  a crowd  so  the  principal  improvised 
one  by  placing  a table  on  the  campus  and  having  us  stand  on 
it  to  address  the  student  body.  Mr.  Walter  Roberts  calls  this, 
“The  greatest  challenge  of  the  Philippines  at  the  present  time.” 
He  says,  “To  prove  this  point  I only  need  to  point  to  the  com- 
parative ease  with  which  young  men  have  been  enlisted  in 
Bible  study  campaigns.  This  past  year  we  have  had  about  250 
young  men  and  women  in  Bible  study  groups.  I doubt  if  we 
would  have  gotten  25  young  men  and  women  in  America  in 
Bible  Study  groups  as  easily  as  we  enlisted  and  kept  these  250 
in  our  groups.  I verily  believe,  if  a missionary  could  give  all 

his  time  to  this  work  in  San 
Fernando  alone,  he  could  en- 
roll no  less  than  700  to  800  stu- 
dents in  Bible  study  classes.” 
Youth  in  the  Philippines  is 
eager  to  get  anything  which 
will  help  them  to  grow  into 
better  and  more  capable  men 
and  women. 

Mountain  Province 

The  work  in  Mountain 
Province  differs  from  that  in 
the  lowlands.  Customs  and 
habits  of  living  among  most 
of  the  mountain  people  are  very 
primitive.  The  fact  that  these 
On  the  Trail  to  Kiangan  people  were  not  reached  by 


Our  Specific  Task 


49 


Spanish  culture  and  Roman  Catholicism  during  the  days  of 
Spanish  occupancy  is  partly  responsible  tor  their  backward 
condition.  They  did  not  receive  the  new  educational  advan- 
tages as  early  as  other  sections  after  the  Islands  came  under 
the  control  of  the  United  States.  A Bureau  of  non-Christian 
Tribes  whose  duty  it  is  to  look  after  the  interests  and  welfare 
of  these  people  has  been  organized  by  the  government.  These 
tribes  include  more  than  a million  population. 


Returning  from  Ifugao 


Our  responsibil- 
ity in  this  section  of 
unevangelized  terri- 
tory embraces  the 
sub-provinces  of  Ifu- 
gao and  Kalinga  and 
the  city  of  Baguio. 

The  sub-province  of 
Ifugao  has  a popula- 
tion of  66,000  accord- 
ing to  constabulary 
reports.  Kiangan  is 
the  capital.  The  gov- 
ernment has  a grade  school  and  small  hospital  located  there. 
It  is  in  this  town  that  Miss  Metzger  is  stationed.  A motor 
road  across  the  mountains  into  the  capital  was  completed  re- 
cently. This  will 
make  the  prov- 
ince more  ac- 
cessible and  open 
it  to  much  larger 
business  possi- 
bilities. The  cli- 
mateismore 
healthful  and  de- 
sirable than  i n 

Mission  Residence — Kiangan  the  lowlands. 


50 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


For  ten  years 
the  Mission  has 
pled  w i t h the 
Church  to  provide 
a way  to  begin 
work.  At  last  we 
are  there  with  one 
missionary  and 
two  Filipino  dea- 
conesses.  We 
have  a lot  on  which  a small  native  chapel  has  been  erected. 
There  is  a wonderful  opportunity  to  begin  high  school 
work  and  through  it  reach  the  youth  of  the  province. 
Colonel  Dosser  offered  a well-built  house  with  two  and  one- 
half  acres  of  ground  to  the  mission  at  a very  reasonable  figure. 
The  house  is  finished  in  hard  wood  throughout,  making  it  a 
security  against  white  ants.  It  has  every  convenience  possible 
in  such  a remote  section  of  the  Islands  and  is  so  arranged  that 
it  can  be  used  for  a missionary  res- 
idence. a dormitory  for  girls  and 
still  have  two  rooms  for  classes. 

The  Board  authorized  the  purchase 
of  this  residence  at  its  last  meet- 
ing. 

The  purchase  of  this  residence 
does  not  complete  the  task.  It  sim- 
ply begins  it.  What  is  the  pur- 
chase of  a residence  compared  with 
the  evangelization  of  66,000  peo- 
ple? It  is  a mere  incident  in  the 
course  of  events  leading  to  the  suc- 
cessful culmination  of  our  sacred 
trust. 

Baguio  is  the  summer  capital 
of  the  Philippines.  It  is  one  of  the  Mountain  Women 


Our  Specific  Task 


51 


most  delightful  locations  in  the  tropics.  The  temperature  reg- 
istered 76.3  maximum  and  58.8  minimum  (Fahrenheit)  last 
March  when  I had  the  privilege  of  spending  a week  there.  It 
is  situated  4,380  feet  above  sea  level  and  175  miles  north  of 
Manila.  Good  automobile  roads  come  from  the  lowlands  and 

wind  their  way 
through  beauti- 
f u 1 mountai n 
scenery  into  the 
land  of  the  pines, 
which  are  abun- 
dant in  this  cool- 
er climate.  I 
should  not  be 
surprised  to  find 
it  become  one  of 
the  most  beauti- 
ful places  in  the  Far  East  and  a popular  retreat  for  conferences 
of  one  kind  or  another.  It  is  growing  rapidly.  Government 
officials  have  their  summer  headquarters  there  and  it  was  re- 
ported that  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  Islands  would  locate 
there  permanently. 

There  are  three  churches  in  the  town — Catholic,  Episco- 
pal and  United  Brethren.  The  churches  of  the  Evangelical 
Union  are  depending  upon  us  since  we  are  its  only  representa- 
tive in  the  city.  The  Union  consists  of  all  the  Evangelical 
churches  carrying  on  mission  work  in  the  Islands. 

The  Evangel  Press 

One  of  the  serious  questions  confronting  mission  boards 
and  churches  in  every  mission  field  is  how  to  provide  Christian 
literature  for  the  new  church.  The  religious  press  is  a real 
necessity.  One  of  the  main  dialects  of  the  Islands  is  Ilocano. 
There  are  three  mission  boards  working  among  the  Ilocano 
speaking  people.  At  present  our  press  is  the  only  one  supply- 


52 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


ing  Christian  lit- 
erature for  this 
large  constitu- 
ency. The  “Nam- 
b a g a Damag,” 
which  w e pub- 
lish, is  the  only 
Christian  week- 
ly. The  paper 
contains  sixteen 
pages,  two  of 
which  carry  news  of  the  Methodist  work  among  the  Ilocanos. 
Methodist  editors  supply  the  material  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  publisher.  The  paper  has  2,500  subscribers,  1,500  of 
these  are  from  Methodist  families,  500  from  Disciple  or  Chris- 
tian families  and  500  from  United  Brethren.  The  Methodists 
are  cooperating  officially.  Since  our  visit  a temporary  ar- 
rangement has  been  made  whereby  the  ‘Dalan  ti  Coppia,” 
(Disciple  publication)  will  be  issued  in  union  with  our  “Nam- 
bag  a Damag.”  This  arrangement  gives  each  of  the  three 
denominations  two  pages  for  denominational  news  and  the 
remainder  of  the  paper  for  general  religious  news.  The  tem- 
porary combination  is  to  last  for  three  months  after  which  a 
trial  vote  will  be  taken  and  a future  policy  determined  by  the 
Disciple  Mission  and  Church.  It  is  possible  that  they  will  take 
official  action  authorizing  cooperation.  In  that  event  the 
whole  Ilocano  field  will  be  open  to  the  Evangel  Press  without 
any  competition  and  we  will  have  as  our  direct  responsibility 
the  supplying  of  Christian  literature  for  the  Ilocanos. 

The  Hospital 

The  mission  hospital  is  doing  a fine  piece  of  medical 
work  at  San  Fernando.  Miss  Lottie  Spessard  is  in  charge. 
The  government  is  encouraging  the  work  and  helping  in  every 
way  to  make  it  succeed.  Since  it  is  the  only  hospital  in  La 


Evangel  Press — San  Fernando 


Our  Specific  Task 


53 


Union  Province 
it  has  a big  field 
and  a growing 
clientele.  The 
only  doctors 
practicing  at  the 
hospital  are  the 
government 
health  doctors. 

A fine  coopera- 
tion is  carried  on 
in  this  way.  The  mission  provides  a building,  equipment  and 
a nurse,  and  the  government,  through  its  doctors  and  health 
department,  turns  all  its  patients  over  to  our  care.  This  opens 
many  doors  and  makes  possible  points  of  contact  with  the 
people  which  could  not  be  secured  otherwise.  It  is  a fertile 
field  for  personal  work  and  Christian  service. 


Present  Hospital  Building 


Bible  Training  School 

This  institution  is  well  located  on  an  eminence  overlook- 
ing San  Fernando  City  and  bay.  It  is  housed  in  a commodious 
and  well-constructed  building,  giving  ample  accommodations 
for  class  work  and  dormitory.  There  is  no  better  building  in 
the  city.  But  the  material  equipment  and  location  are  not  the 

best  things  about 
the  institution. 
The  fine  spirit- 
u a 1 atmosphere 
of  the  school  is 
more  exceptional 
than  the  build- 
ing itself.  This 
is  proven  by  the 
fact  that  it  has 
been  sending 


Bible  Training  School 


54 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


back  into  the  life  of  the  church  a constant  stream  of  the  most 
acceptable  Bible  women  and  deaconesses.  When  the  history 
of  the  United  Brethren  Mission  in  the  Philippines  is  written, 
much  credit  will  have  to  be  given  to  these  consecrated  young 
women.  They  go  out  into  the  most  difficult  places  and  do 
work  in  many  instances  equal  to  a regular  pastorate. 

The  School  is  planning  to  enlarge  its  usefulness  by 
branching  out  and  offering  more  inducements  for  a general 
education.  Heretofore  the  chief  purpose  has  been  to  train 
deaconesses  and  Bible  women.  It  will  remain  that,  but  in 
the  meantime  a larger  student  body  can  be  served  and  young 
women  given  a Christian  education  under  favorable  conditions. 
It  is  the  part  of  wisdom  to  have  this  larger  purpose  in  view. 
A trained  Christian  womanhood  is  a valuable  asset  for  any 
country.  Since  such  work  can  be  carried  on  without  infringing 
on  the  primary  purpose  of  the  school  the  staff  is  planning  to  go 
ahead  and  make  it  serve  this  larger  field  of  need. 


Graduating  Class — 1926 


Our  Specific  Task 


55 


Union  Seminary 

We  were  very  much  impressed  with  the  Union  Seminary 
and  high  school  located  at  Manila.  Plans  are  now  on  to  intro- 
duce college  subjects  with  a view  of  finally  having  a full  col- 
lege course  avail- 
able for  such  as 
wish  to  take  the 
regular  Sem- 
inary Course 
leading  up  to  the 
degree  o f B.D. 

The  responsibil- 
ity for  this  insti- 
tution i s divid- 
ed into  sevc  n 
shares  which  are  carried  by  five  denominations  as  follows : 
Presbyterian  North  2,  Methodist  Episcopal  2,  Congregational 
1,  Disciples  1,  United  Brethren  1. 

A $50,000  re-enforced  concrete  administration  building  on 
Taft  Avenue  has  just  been  completed.  It  is  a beautiful  struc- 
ture and  will  add  much  to  the  cause  of  Protestantism  in  the 
Islands.  We  heartily  endorse  this  institution  and  recommend 
our  continued  support  and  cooperation.  It  is  making  possible 
a better  and  more  thorough  training  for  the  ministers  of  the 
various  denominations  at  far  less  cost  than  would  be  possible 
in  separate  institutions. 


Union  Seminary 


China 

Our  task  is  none  the  less  specific  in  the  vast  and  restless 
territory  of  China.  For  years  we  have  been  carrying  on  an  ex- 
tensive program  of  medical  missions. 

Honan  Medical  Work 

The  Coover  Dispensary  and  the  Maternity  Hospital  at 
Beth  Eden  are  rendering  a high  type  of  Christian  service. 


56 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Doctor  Bigler's  thirty-five  years 
of  continuous  practice  have 
established  a wide  reputation  for 
these  worthy  institutions.  The 
hospital  has  twenty  beds  and 
employs  two  physicians  and  two 
nurses  full  time.  A brief  re- 
view of  the  report  for  the  first 
six  months  for  1926  will  give  you 
some  idea  of  the  tremendous 
amount  of  work  which  is  carried 
on.  Minor  operations  85,  teeth 
extracted  303,  obstetrical  cases 
117,  medical  cases  in  wards  33, 
dispensary  cases,  including  office  and  out-calls,  12,114.  So 
far-reaching  is  the  influence  of  this  medical  work  that  the 
sick  come  for  miles  to  be  healed  and  cured  of  their  many 
ills. 

I visited  the  Coover  Dispensary  one  morning  and  found  a 
waiting  list  of  nearly  two  hundred.  While  the  patients  waited 
their  turn  to  see  the  doctor  a Chinese  Bible  woman  told  them 
Bible  stories  and 
brought  them  a sim- 
ple gospel  message. 

The  results  of  this 
work  are  wonderful. 

Many  come  to  know 
Him  who  heals  the 
soul  through  His 
servants  who  know 
how  to  heal  the 
body.  This  is  a part 
of  our  responsibility 
in  China. 


Three  Nurses 


Our  Specific  Task 


57 


Siu  Lam  Medical  Work 

Ramsburg  Hospital  is  located  at  Siu  Lam.  The  influ- 
ence and  prestige  of  this  institution  is  growing  steadily.  We 
visited  the  only  other  hospital  in  the  city.  It  was  very  poorly 

equipped  and  not  at 
all  up  to  the  stand- 
ards of  similar  in- 
stitutions in  Amer- 
ica. Ours  is  the  only 
commendable  h o s- 
pital  ministering  to 
the  physical  needs  of 
the  200,000  people 
living  i n that  con- 
gested center.  Sev- 
eral very  serious 

, • Ramsburg  Hospital 

cases  were  being 

treated  at  the  time  we  visited  the  institution.  A most  difficult 
case  of  skin  grafting  was  responding  perfectly  to  Doctor  Cook’s 
treatment.  The  hospital  contains  twenty-four  beds  and  has  a 
growing  dispensary  practice.  The  constantly  increasing  pat- 
ronage makes  a heavy  responsibility  for  the  small  staff.  A 
well  trained  Chinese  physician  will  be  added  just  as  soon  as 
one  can  be  secured.  I feel  that  this  is  a definite  part  of  our 

wrork  in  China  and 
that  we  must  con- 
tinue it  until  Chinese 
have  been  raised  up 
who  can  carry  it  on. 


Public  Health  Work 

Dr.  Frank  Oldt 
is  our  representative 
on  the  staff  of  the 
Canton  Hospital 


River  Boat  to  Siu  Lam 


58 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


which  was  closed  recently  because  of  labor  troubles.  Under 
the  auspices  of  the  hospital  lie  has  been  promoting  public 
health  and  sanitation  campaigns.  The  first  campaign  of  out- 
standing success  was  conducted  against  gambling  and  social 
vice.  It  showed  how  these  two  evils  affect  the  nervous  sys- 
tem and  general  health.  The  past  year  he  assisted  the  munic- 
ipal authorities  in  a great  vaccination  campaign.  A total  of 
30,000  Chinese  were  vaccinated  in  one  week.  This  is  remark- 
able considering  how  little  China-of-the-past  depended  upon 
modern  medicine.  A recent  letter  says  that  he  has  been  asked 

to  assist  in  a rat  ex- 
termination cam- 
paign to  guard 
against  plague. 

He  is  making  a 
careful  study  also  of 
night  soil  and  its 
uses.  The  seat  of  the 
hook-worm  with  its 
evil  results  is  in  the 
night  soil.  It  is  ab- 
solutely necessary 
to  use  it  for  fertilizer 
in  order  to  grow  the  food  stuffs  which  are  needed.  The  peo- 
ple. applying  it  to  the  fields  get  the  germ  into  their  system 
through  sores  on  their  bare  feet.  Doctor  Oldt  is  endeavoring 
by  thorough  research  to  discover  whether  there  is  not  some 
way  in  which  the  larva  in  the  soil  can  be  killed  without  de- 
stroying its  value  as  fertilizer.  So  far  no  method  is  known 
to  science  by  which  this  can  be  done. 

Miller  Seminary 

If  the  women  who  put  so  much  into  this  institution  could 
see  it,  they  would  not  regret  for  one  minute  what  they  did.  It 
is  truly  a wonderful  institution.  The  two  buildings  are  com- 


Operating  Room 


Our  Specific  Task 


59 


Miller  Seminary 


m a n d i n g and  at- 
tractive. They  are 
comfortable  and 
serviceable.  No  in- 
stitution which  we 
have  in  the  Far 
East  is  better 
equipped.  The  at- 
mosphere  of  the 
compound  is  so  dif- 
ferent from  the  at- 
mosphere of  the  congested  city  lying  all  around  it,  that  it  is  noticed 
immediately  on  entering  the  gate.  The  girls  are  free  and  happy. 
They  are  clean  and  healthy.  The  discipline  and  order  of  the  school 
are  good  and  the  educational  standing  among  the  best.  It  was  our 
privilege  to  attend  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  on  April  9,  the 
date  being  changed  from  March  11,  in  order  to  have  us  partici- 
pate in  the  celebration.  There  were  fully  500  present,  including 
the  students,  at  the  afternoon  exercises. 

The  womanhood  of  China  needs  this  school.  In  every 
non-Christian  land  women  are  oppressed  and  considered  in- 
ferior to  men.  So  long  as  this  continues  and  girls  are  forced 
to  suffer  such  disadvantages  as  they  are  at  present,  the  eleva- 
tion of  womanhood  must  be  stressed.  No  country  can  be 
helped  permanently  until  the  womanhood  of  that  country  is 

helped.  I doubt 
whether  we  are 
making  any 
greater  contribu- 
tion to  the  salva- 
tion of  China 
than  we  are  mak- 
ing through 
Miller  Seminary. 
Each  v e a r we 


Miss  Potts  and  School  Girls 


60 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


are  training  from  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  to  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  girls  in  Christian  character  and  the  elements 
which  go  to  make  a good  home  and  a great  country.  The 
Church  can  not  do  less  for  the  girls  of  China.  It  ought  to 
do  more. 

Union  Institutions 

\Ye  are  cooperating  in  three  such  institutions.  It  was  our 
privilege  to  visit  and  observe  the  work  of  each  one. 

Union  Middle  School — The  School  was  formerly  oper- 
ated by  the  American  Presbyterian  Board.  In  July,  1919, 
representatives  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  China,  the  Amer- 
ican Presbyterian  Mission,  the  United  Brethren  Mission  and 
the  American  Board  Mission,  reorganized  the  school  and  made 
it  a union  institution.  The  boards  made  these  arrangements 
in  order  to  provide  a thoroughly  equipped  Christian  high 
school  for  boys.  It  is  located  a few  squares  from  our  mission 
compound  on  Fung  Tsuen.  There  are  three  large  permanent 
buildings — administration,  dormitory  with  chapel  and  resi- 
dence. Several  temporary  mat  sheds  are  located  on  the  cam- 
pus, also,  in  order  to  accommodate  all  the  students.  The  en- 
rollment last  year  was  more  than  300.  Our  mission  provides 
one  faculty  unit  and  a part  of  the  administrative  expense. 


Union  Middle  School 


Our  Specific  Task 


61 


Union  Normal  School — The  following  missions  are  coop- 
erating in  this  school : American  Board  of  Commissioners  for 
Foreign  Missions  (Congregational),  Presbyterian  Foreign 
Mission  Board,  New  Zealand  Foreign  Mission  (Presbyterian), 
Foreign  Missionary  Society  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and 
the  Canadian  Presbyterian  Mission.  The  school  is  successor 
to  the  Fulton  Kindergarten  Training  School  and  has  graduated 
fifty-five  teachers.  Of  these,  forty-eight  are  teaching  at  the 
present  time,  two  are  continuing  studies  elsewhere.  Forty- 
seven  of  the  fifty-five  graduates  are  church  members  and  the 
others  are  sympathetic  to  Christianity.  Forty-seven  of  the 
fifty-five  are  teach- 
i n g in  Christian 
schools.  The  insti- 
tution has  supplied 
several  teachers  for 
Miller  Seminary. 

Graduates  of  the 
Seminary  frequent- 
ly go  to  the  Union 
Normal  School  for 
special  training  in  normal  work.  The  school  is  thoroughly 
Christian  and  is  filling  a great  need  in  South  China.  The 
Mission  Schools  in  Kwangtung  are  dependent  upon  this  insti- 
tution for  their  supply  of  teachers.  Our  mission  furnishes  one 
American  teacher  and  one  current  expense  unit  of  $600. 

Union  Theological  College — On  March  17,  1914,  repre- 
sentatives of  seven  missions  met  to  form  a provisional  board 
of  directors  for  a Union  Theological  College  as  follows: 
American  Board  (Congregational),  Wesleyan  Methodists, 
American  Presbyterian,  New  Zealand  Presbyterian,  United 
Brethren  Church  Missionary  Society  and  London  Missionary 
Society.  Later  the  Canadian  Presbyterian  Mission  joined 
the  group.  Since  that  time  the  school  has  grown  steadily 
until  it  has  a very  desirable  location  with  three  large  sub- 


Miller  Seminary  Girls 


62 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


stantial  buildings  and  several  residences  for  faculty  mem- 
bers. The  total  number  of  graduates  in  ten  years  was  96.  Of 
this  number  86  are  serving  in  Kwangtung  Province.  The 
leadership  of  the  Chinese  Church  in  South  China  is  dependent 
upon  this  institution.  It  was  our  privilege  to  attend  the  an- 
nual meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors  in  the  spring  of  1926. 

We  wish  to  em- 
phasize this  fact  in 
connection  with 
these  institutions. 
They  are  as  much  a 
part  of  our  responsi- 
bility and  work  as 
any  other  thing  we 
are  doing  on  the 
field.  Since  we  have 
entered  the  unio  n, 
we  must  be  prepared 
to  carry  our  share  of 
the  work.  The  suc- 
cess of  the  whole  en- 
terprise depends  upon  how  well  each  unit  bears  its  part.  Again, 
these  institutions  are  doing  what  we  should  have  to  do  alone 
in  some  manner  if  we  were  not  in  the  union.  We  would  find 
it  exceedingly  costly  and  less  satisfactory  if  we  were  to  under- 
take these  various  phases  of  work  alone.  Any  tendency  to 
violate  or  ignore  our  relation  to  these  schools  will  in  the  end 
do  damage  to  what  we  look  upon  as  purely  our  own  responsi- 
bility. We  must  think  as  seriously  and  plan  as  carefully  for 
this  phase  of  our  work  as  for  any  other.  It  is  a part  of  our 
missionary  program  on  the  field.  These  union  enterprises 
make  possible  a higher  grade  of  work  than  could  be  accom- 
plished otherwise. 

In  addition  to  these  institutions  we  must  continue  our 
evangelistic  work.  At  the  present  an  aggressive  campaign 


Our  Specific  Task 


63 


is  impossible  be- 
cause of  the  d i s- 
turbed  political  con- 
ditions. While  the 
Church  of  Christ  in 
China  will  lead  in 
this  phase  of  work, 
yet  unless  we  give 
them  close  and  faith- 
ful cooperation  they 
will  be  tremendous- 
ly handicappe  d. 

They  will  continue 

, ' i • , Chinese  Bible  Women 

to  need  our  assist- 
ance, for  neither  the  Chinese  Church  nor  all  the  Missions  are 
able  to  meet  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  millions  who  are  yet 
unevangelized. 


In  Japan 


The  church  has  made  a good  beginning  in  the  large  cities 
of  Japan.  But  the  work  of  missions  is  not  done.  There  is  a 
continuous  list  of  appeals  representing  most  urgent  opportuni- 
ties and  needs.  Souls  in  their  hunger  and  despair  are  calling 
out  for  God.  They  may  not  know  what  it  is  that  they  want — - 
nevertheless  the  need  is  there  and  so  is  the  desire  for  truth. 

Our  specific  task  outside  of  the  cities  centers  in  two  dis- 
tricts— Chiba  Ken  and  Shiga  Ken.  There  are  probably  a half 
million  people  in  these  two  districts  for  whose  evangelization 
the  United  Brethren  Mission  is  directly  responsible. 

Chiba  Ken  is  an  important  rural  community  just  north  of 
Tokyo  and  is  very  easily  reached  from  there  by  train.  The 
central  place  in  which  to  carry  on  our  rural  work  in  this  dis- 
trict is  Matsudo,  a county  seat  of  twelve  thousand  popula- 
tion. At  present  we  have  a small  congregation  in  the  town. 
Since  the  mission  has  neither  a lot  nor  a chapel,  the  congre- 


64 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


At  the  Horticultural  College,  Matsudo 


gation  meets  i n a 
Japanese  house.  Rev. 
A.  H.  Sholty  is  in 
charge  of  the  work 
in  this  district 

Shiga  Ken  lies 
east  of  Kyoto  around 
the  sou chern  shores 
of  Lake  Biwa.  Otsu 
and  Kusatsu  are  two 
of  its  leading  towns. 
Rev.  J.  Edgar  Knipp 
and  Rev.  K.  Yabe 
are  doing  a very 
striking  piece  of  rural  evangelism  in  this  region.  It  is  the  best 
rural  work  in  our  mission.  So  far  it  has  been  exceptionally 
successful.  These  men  have  a program  which  aims  to  reach 
the  whole  country  side  by  making  various  points  of  contact. 
It  includes  many  phases  of  church  work  such  as  kindergartens, 
night  classes  in  Bible  and  English,  visitation  among  the  public 
schools  with  addresses  on  various  questions,  labor  meetings 
for  the  working  men,  and  for  the  farmers,  Sunday  schools  in 
all  the  farming  villages,  dormitory  for  boys  in  the  Normal 
School  and  special  meetings  for  mothers.  In  this  way  they 
are  broadening  the 
influence  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

This  program  must 
be  carried  forward 
as  a kind  of  demon- 
stration of  w hat 
can  be  done  in 
these  great  neglect- 


ed areas. 


Otsu  Kindergarten 


Our  Specific  Task 


65 


Country  Evangelism 


In  trying  to  discover  the  best  place  as  well  as  the  most 
needy  place  for  missionaries  in  these  days  of  progress  and 
transition  we  observed  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  Japanese 
Church  that 


Rev.  and  Mrs.  J.  Edgar  Knipp  and  Japanese 
Children 


place  was  the 
rural  town  and 
community.  I 
I asked  Dr.  K. 

Miyazaki,  Sec- 
retary of  the  Na- 
tional Christian 
Council  of  Japan 
“What  is  the 
greatest  opportunity  for  service  in  Japan?”  He  replied,  “The 
missionary’s  greatest  opportunity  lies  in  the  unevangelized 
rural  communities.”  Dr.  S.  H.  Wainright  said  that  mission- 
aries usually  had  more  influence  in  rural  communities  than 

Japanese  pastors.  He  gave  as 
his  reasons  for  that  statement : 

(a)  The  church  does  not  have 
pastors  to  send  into  such  com- 
munities who  are  strong  enough 
to  command  the  respect  and  win 
the  confidence  of  the  people. 

(b)  The  missionary  has  special 
training  and  is  better  fitted.  He 
will  therefore  get  a more  ready 
hearing,  (c)  He  will  get  more 
recognition  because  he  is  a for- 
eigner. These  more  remote  com- 
munities are  not  reached  so  fre- 
quently by  outside  men. 

The  Japanese  Mission  Con- 
Reverend  and  Mrs.  Yabe  ference  was  also  of  the  opinion 


66 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


that  the  most  needy  place  now  for  the  missionary  was  in  the 
rural  districts  which  have  been  so  badly  neglected.  More  than 
seventy  per  cent  of  the  people  in  Japan  live  in  the  country. 
Mr.  C.  M.  Warren,  who  has  given  himself  exclusively  to  rural 
evangelism,  said  in  1922  that  six  and  four-tenths  per  cent  of 
the  Protestant  Missionaries  live  among  forty-six  million  or 
82%  of  the  people,  and  that  93.6%  live  among  ten  millions,  or 
18%  of  the  people.  The  missionaries  were  distributed  in  this 
way  between  the  rural  and  city  populations.  The  proportion 
has  changed  very  little  since  these  figures  were  compiled.  It 
is  apparent,  therefore,  how  neglected  the  rural  sections  really 
are.  Our  work  in  Japan  must  be  directed  more  and  more  to- 
ward reaching  the  country  people.  It  is  necessary  that  we 
help  our  Japanese  brethren  to  bring  the  work  in  the  cities  to 
the  highest  efficiency.  We  must  not  neglect  this.  It  will  fur- # 
nish  the  base  from  which  the  Japanese  church  must  carry  on  in 
the  future.  In  the  meantime  if  an  extensive  work  is  done  it 
should  be  in  the  direction  of  rural  evangelism. 

Doshisha  University 

Another  responsibility  which  we  must  continue  to  bear  is 
the  training  of  a Japanese  ministry.  It  is  no  less  important 
there  than  here.  So  far  the  Japanese  church  has  not  been  able 
financially  to  provide  for  the  education  of  its  leaders.  While 
our  church  and  mission  never  undertook  to  build  an  educa- 
tional institution  in  Japan  they  did  not  neglect  the  training  of 
future  pastors.  More  than  20  years  ago  the  mission  began  to 
cooperate  with  Doshisha  University  by  furnishing  teachers. 
In  1912  the  mission  accepted  definite  responsibility  and  agreed 
to  finance  a Japanese  professorship  and  provide  a foreign 
teacher  for  the  Department  of  Religious  Education  in  the  Sem- 
inary. Doctor  Shively  has  been  filling  that  place  ever  since 
its  founding.  This  method  of  cooperation  has  several  distinct 
advantages : (a)  It  provides  the  best  educational  advantages 

at  a minimum  cost  to  the  mission,  (b)  It  makes  possible  a 


Our  Specific  Task 


67 


Doctor  Shively  and  Class  of  Converts  at  Kyoto 


better  school  than  one  mission  could  furnish  independently, 
(c)  It  is  administered  largely  by  Japanese,  hence  it  is  more 
likely  to  meet  their  needs.  So  long  as  we  are  in  mission  work 
we  shall  find  it  necessary  to  assist  in  the  training  of  national 
leaders.  There  is  no  school  where  we  could  get  more  recogni- 
tion or  better  service.  A Christian  spirit  predominates  and  the 
schoarship  is  high. 

This  chapter  is  meant  to  give  the  reader  a general  idea  of 
the  specific  work  we  have  to  carry  on  abroad.  Sometimes 
folk  ask,  “What  is  our  work?  What  do  we  have  to  do?”  If 
the  United  Brethren  Church  should  discontinue  its  missionary 
activities  every  one  of  the  causes  and  institutions  mentioned 
would  suffer,  some  would  naturally  die.  They  could  not  go  on 
without  our  assistance.  If  we  do  not  carry  them  on  nobody 
will  and  the  territory  will  be  without  the  gospel  except  for  the 
efforts  which  the  national  church  will  be  able  to  make.  She 
will  remain  strong  and  aggressive  if  we  continue  as  her  faith- 


68 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


ful  ally  in  the  cause.  Does  the  church  want  to  see  the  people 
of  these  sections  go  back  to  their  former  habits  and  life?  If 
not  she  must  continue  to  furnish  the  salt  which  will  save  the 
community. 


CHAPTER  IV 


IMPERATIVE  NEEDS 

“Behold,  I have  set  before  thee  an  open  door.” 

We  come  now  to  consider  needs  which  are  imperative  and 
urgent.  They  are  imperative  because  we  cannot  evade  them. 
They  are  a part  of  the  compulsory  demands  which  success 
makes  upon  the  successful.  If  a man’s  business  grows  he  is 
put  to  the  expense  of  enlarging  his  store  and  equipment  or 
surrendering  his  opportunity  to  expand.  So  with  missions — 
we  must  either  meet  the  situation  or  make  up  our  minds  to 
lose  opportunities  for  growth  and  service.  The  needs  are 
urgent  because  they  should  be  met  now.  The  work  on  the 
field  has  reached  the  stage  where  advance  is  impossible  until 
reenforcements  are  provided.  When  the  real  work  of  the 
Kingdom  is  stopped  because  supplies  are  not  forthcoming 
from  a church  which  has  abundance  the  situation  becomes  ur- 
gent and  should  be  changed  immediately. 

Baguio 

The  city  of  Baguio  is  growing  in  numbers  and  importance 
every  year.  “It  is  becoming  one  of  the  important  student  cen- 
ters of  the  Island  s,” 
writes  Reverend  Wit- 
mer.  “Trinidad  Farm 
School,  which  is  located 
here,  has  an  enrollment 
this  year  of  four  hun- 
dred and  fifty  students. 

Eighty  of  these  are  from 
Kalinga.  Work  in  con- 
nection with  this  school 
is  of  great  importance.  Reverend  Witmer  and  School  Children 


70 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


These  boys  go  back  to  their  homes  after  finishing  their  course 
and  become  leaders  in  their  communities.” 

Our  work  here  touches  the  whole  Philippines.  During  the 
summer  months  people  from  all  over  these  Islands  come  here 
for  their  vacation.  Some  of  the  missionaries  and  more  of  the 
American  school  teachers  do  not  have  the  opportunity  to  at- 
tend religious  services  in  English  except  when  they  come  to 
Baguio.  Last  season  one  teacher  was  heard  to  remark  after 
the  service,  “That  was  the  first  time  I attended  church  for 
two  years.”  Another  said,  “That  was  the  first  sermon  I heard 
in  two  years.”  Thus  it  seems  of  the  utmost  importance  that 
we  give  these  visitors  the  best  church  service  possible. 

The  cosmopolitan  character  of  the  congregation  and  the 
community  calls  for  a diversified  program : First,  many 

American  school  teachers  spend  the  vacation  months  there. 
Other  Americans  are  in  business  or  government  service  and 
live  there  permanently.  Second,  many  Ilocanos  and  English 
speaking  Filipinos  are  located  there.  Bishop  Clippinger  spoke 
to  Judge  Lopez’s  large  class  of  Filipino  men  one  Sunday  morn- 
ing. Most  of  them  belong  to  the  constabulary  force  of  the  Is- 
land. Third,  the  Bontocs  and  mountain  people  who  are  native 
to  this  region  must  be  reached  also.  They  belong  to  the  group 
classified  as  non-Christian  tribes  and  are  very  primitive  in 
many  of  their  customs  and  habits  of  life. 

One  morning  I noticed  two  Bontocs  in  the  meeting  of  the. 
Annual  Conference,  which  we  were  holding  at  Baguio.  After 
the  service  I went  to  the  rear  of  the  room  where  they  were 
seated  and  welcomed  them  to  our  meeting.  The  man  spoke 
English  very  well.  The  woman,  whom  I learned  was  his 
mother,  could  not  speak  English  but  the  son  acted  as  in- 
terpreter for  any  conversation  we  wished  to  carry  on.  He  said 
to  me,  “I  perceive  that  this  is  a Protestant  church,”  and  I 
replied,  “Yes.”  Then  he  said,  “I  perceive  that  they  have  more 
light  than  the  other  church  (Roman).  We  want  you  (the 
church)  to  stay  until  all  the  mountain  people  have  the  light.” 


Imperative  Needs 


71 


I feel  that  I ought  to  spell  the  last  word  with  a capital  yet  I do 
not  think  that  he  had  Christ  in  mind.  How  could  he  for  he 
never  knew  Him?  What  he  wanted  I think  was  knowledge, 
education,  enlightenment.  But  where  can  we  get  the  light  in 
an  adequate  way  except  as  we  receive  the  Light.  Think  of 
that  plea,  “We  want  you  to  stay  until  all  the  mountain  people 
have  the  Light.”  Let  us  interpret  it  that  way  and  give  him 
and  them  the  best  Light  we  know.  What  a challenge  comes 
ringing  and  re-echoing  from  those  Filipino  mountains.  I think 
I can  hear  it  now. 

In  order  to  meet  such  a variety  of  needs  and  build  up  a 
strong  religious  center  the  Mission  must  have  a larger  staff 
and  better  equipment.  A missionary  family  should  be  stationed 
there  regularly.  But  our  staff  is  so  small  that  it  is  impossible 
to  assign  one  family  definitely  to  that  task.  He  must  give  his 
time  to  other  interests  of  the  mission  occasionally.  During 
furlough  the  station  is  likely  to  be  without  a family  except 
for  short  periods  of  time  when  those  of  other  stations  are  free 
to  give  some  direction  to  the  work.  Our  chapel  is  well  located 
but  it  is  very  small.  It  is  a little  one-room  building  with  a 
small  side  room  for  a pastor’s  study.  Think  of  taking  care  of 
such  a variety  of  work  with  no  better  facilities  than  that.  It  is 
impossible.  If  we  can  put  twelve  or  fifteen  thousand  dollars 
into  a new  building  the  Filipinos  will  do  their  share.  Bishop 
Clippinger  and  I can  think  of  no  more  strategic  need  in  the 
Philippines  than  this  appeal  just  presented  in  behalf  of  Baguio. 

Ifugao  and  Kalinga 

These  are  sub-provinces  in  Mountain  Province.  The  Mis- 
sion has  been  able  the  past  year  and  a half  to  station  one  mis- 
sionary, Miss  Myrtle  Metzger,  at  Kiangan,  the  capital  of 
Ifugao.  With  the  assistance  of  the  Otterbein  Guild  the  Board 
saw  its  way  clear  to  authorize  the  purchase  of  a residence  to 
house  the  missionary  and  provide  facilities  for  our  mission 
activities.  The  Love  Offering  of  the  Guild  will  be  devoted  to 


72 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


this  project.  This 
will  give  us  a 
good  start  in  this 
region,  but  Ka- 
linga  remains 
unaided  even 
though  it  is  just 
as  important. 

Last  May 
Rev.  C.  C.  Wh- 
in er. 


Acting  Su- 


On  the  Trail  to  Ifugao 
Stopping  to  Repair  the  Road 

, per  intendent, 

called  attention  to  the  unusual  situation  in  a letter  he  sent  to 
the  office.  “Governor  Early  said  that  one  of  the  most  pressing 
educational  needs  in  Mountain  Province  is  the  opening  of  a 
high  school  in  Lubuagan,  Kalinga.  He  further  said  that  he 
would  be  glad  if  we  would  do  it  as  the  government  has  more 
to  do  than  their  funds  will  permit.  We  think  this  is  a great 
opportunity  and  should  be  utilized.  We  thought  we  might 
organize  it  and 
employ  Filipino 
teachers  under 
American  super- 
vision. The  high 
school  course 
which  he  recom- 
m ends  is  the 
normal  course 
which  m eans 
that  we  would  Church  at  Kiangan 

have  the  opportunity  to  train  practically  all  the  future  teach- 
ers and  government  officials.” 

In  his  annual  report  to  the  Board  in  1926  he  wrote,  “Our 
mountain  work  presents  one  great  open  door  of  opportunity. 
The  Roman  church  has  realized  this  for  some  time.  In  a 


Imperative  Needs 


73 


district  in  which  we  have  only  five  ordained  men,  they  have 
seventy-two  Belgian  priests.  Yet  Governor  Early  has  said 
that  the  mountain  people  prefer  the  Americans  to  lead  them. 
This  is  especially  true  of  the  Kalingas.  He  feels  sure  that  if 
we  placed  an  American  couple  at  Lubuagan,  Kalinga,  that  we 
could  win  practically  the  whole  province.”  Will  the  Church 
meet  these  claims  and  make  possible  a ringing  victory  in  the 
immediate  future? 

Evangel  Press 

In  another  chapter  the  place  of  Christian  literature  in  the 
life  of  the  Church  was  stressed.  In  this  one  the  need  for 
equipment  is  presented.  The  press  is  located  in  a good  build- 
ing in  San  Fernando,  the  capital  of  La  Union  Province  and  the 
center  of  the  Ilocano  population.  The  building  is  large  enough 
to  allow  additional  equipment.  A medium  sized  cylinder  press 
and  new  type  constitute  our  immediate  needs.  The  “Naim- 
bag”  is  issued  now  on  two  small  job  presses  which  entail  a 
great  deal  of  time  and  extra  expense.  If  the  Church  saw  the 
advantage  of  Christian  literature  on  the  mission  field  she 
would  meet  the  need  at  once. 

Staff 

The  work  in  the  Philippines  demands  four  families  besides 
the  three  single  women  now  on  the  staff.  One  family  is  needed 
to  manage  the  Evan- 
gel Press  and  assist 
in  the  student  work 
at  San  Fernando. 

Another  is  necessary 
to  meet  our  agree- 
ment with  the  Direc- 
tors of  Union  Theo- 
logical Seminary  to 
furnish  one  member 
of  the  faculty.  The 


Staff  in  the  Philippines 


74 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


work  at  Baguio  calls  for  a full  time  missionary  family.  Ifugao 
and  Kalinga  call  loudly.  Government  authorities  invite  our 
assistance  in  educational  work  among  the  youth  of  these 
neglected  regions.  A family  is  needed  for  this  work.  If  we 
can  man  these  places  well  for  the  next  fifteen  years,  Doctor 
Widdoes  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  crisis  in  our  work  will  be 
passed  and  that  a strong  aggressive  Filipino  church  will  be 
ready  to  assume  the  major  responsibility  for  all  Christian 


work. 


Harajuku  Kindergarten 


Our  mission 
work  is  well  or- 
ganized  and 
efficiently  ad- 
ministered. It 
stretches  from 
Tokyo  to  Kobe 
and  is  centered 

largely  in  the  big  cities.  Nine  of  our  nineteen  churches  are  in 
cities  of  half  a million  or  more.  Four  others  are  in  cities  of 
25,000  or  over.  The  remaining  six  are  in  towns  ranging  from 
five  to  twenty  thousand.  I had  the  privilege  of  visiting  every 
one  of  the  congregations  and  speaking  to  practically  all  of 
them.  Each  place 
is  served  by  a 
Japanese  pastor. 

Most  of  these 
men  have  had 
fair  training  and 
are  doing  accept- 
able work.  Some 
take  rank  with 
the  best  minis- 
terial leaders  in  Kindergarten 


In  Japan 


Imperative  Needs 


75 


Japan.  It  was  gratifying  to  know  that  out  of  the  twenty-five 
best  sermons  selected  from  the  pulpit  discourses  for  1925,  two 
of  them  came  from  our  men,  Reverend  Yasuda  and  Reverend 
Yabe. 


The  most  pressing  question  in  our  mission  is  how  to  se- 
cure more  adequate  equipment.  The  pastors  and  people  need 
tools  with  which  to  work.  Buildings  will  give  them  more  in- 
fluence and  add  permanency  to  the  work  in  the  community. 
The  present  situation  is  as  follows : 


Tokyo 

Harajuku 

Shibuya 

Okubo 

Honjo 

Chiba  District 

Funabashi 

Noda 

Matsudo 

Ichikawa 


Equipment  Supplied 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Church  and  lot 
Lot  for  parsonage 
Barracks  Chapel  and 
lot 


Equipment  Needed 


Parsonage 

Church  and  lot  (funds 
for  same  at  hand) 
Parsonage  and  lot 


Chapel  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Chapel  and  lot  Parsonage  and  lot 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Chapel  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 


Church  at  Ichikawa 


76 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Tokaido 

Odawara 

Numazu 

Shizuoka 

Nagoya 

Shiga  District 

Kusatsu 

Zeze 

Otsu 

Central  Japan 

Kyoto  First 

Kyoto-Rakusai 


Equipment  Supplied 


Chapel  and  lot 
Lot  for  church 


Church  and  lot 
Lot  for  parsonage 

Lot  for  church 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Chapel 


Equipment  Needed 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Parsonage  and  lot 
Church 

Parsonage  and  lot 


Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Parsonage 

Church 


Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 


Church  at  Matsudo 


Osaka 

Kobe 


Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 

Church  and  lot 
Parsonage  and  lot 


The  foregoing  facts  give  you  some  idea  of  the  present 
needs.  The  congregations  which  have  no  buildings  are  wor- 
shipping in  rented  Japanese  houses  and  store  rooms.  I wish 


Imperative  Needs 


77 


you  could  see  some  of  these  rented  quarters.  They  served 
well  in  the  early  part  of  the  work,  but  if  the  church  is  to  wield 
an  effective  influence  permanent  buildings  are  as  essential 
there  as  in  America.  The  total  need  represented  in  the  fore- 
going outline  is  seven  lots  for  churches  and  nine  churches, 
eleven  lots  for  parsonages  and  thirteen  parsonage  buildings. 

The  Japanese  take  an  interest  in  their  churches  as  well  as 
their  homes  and  keep  them  clean  and  in  good  repair.  Any 
equipment  we  help  them  to  secure  will  receive  their  personal 
attention  and  care.  This  list  provides  ample  opportunity  for 
Kingdom  investments  which  are  well  worth  while.  If  any  one 
of  them  is  provided  it  will  put  new  hope  and  courage  into  the 
Japanese  Church. 

Osaka— It  is  difficult  to  pick  out  the  places  which  need 
help  first.  In  going  from  one  to  the  other  and  surveying  each 
field  personally  in  company  with  the  pastor,  it  was  easy  to 
believe  that  each  one  had  an  urgency  all  its  own.  I shall 


Rev.  Nakamura  and  Teachers,  Osaka  Church 


78 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


attempt,  however,  to  suggest  what  seems  to  me  and  to  others 
to  be  the  most  urgent.  Bishop  Clippinger  and  I agreed  that 
if  we  are  going  to  remain  in  Osaka  it  is  necessary  to  secure 
a permanent  location.  Osaka  is  rapidly  becoming  the  Pitts- 
burgh of  the  Far  East.  Smoke  stacks,  factories  and  commer- 
cial buildings  are  outlined  against  the  horizon  as  you  view  the 
city  from  the  bay.  More  than  two  million  people  live  within 
its  limits  and  environs.  It  is  destined  to  become  the  biggest 
industrial  center  in  Japan  and  probably  in  all  the  Far  East. 

We  have  a growing  congregation  which  has  accumulated 
about  7,000  yen  toward  a lot  and  building.  At  present  they 
are  worshipping  in  a rented  Japanese  house.  It  is  small  and 
unpretentious,  so  attracts  no  attention  whatever  in  that  large 
city.  It  lacks  the  element  of  permanency  because  tenants  are 
requested  to  move  occasionally.  In  spite  of  that  the  congrega- 
tion remains  together  and  is  growing  slowly.  Every  time  it 
has  to  establish  itself  in  another  community  progress  is  hin- 
dered. It  will  probably  take  thirty  or  forty  thousand  yen  to 
secure  the  kind  of  a location  the  church  needs,  but  we  must 
face  it  with  them  and  do  our  best.  There  are  many  reasons 
why  we  should  remain  in  this  great  eastern  metropolis.  There 
are  just  as  many  reasons  why  we  should  help  secure  a perma- 
nent location  and  a new  church  building. 

Matsudo — The  need  at  Matsudo  is  equally  urgent.  While 
it  is  not  as  large  as  Osaka,  yet  it  is  the  logical  place  to  begin 
our  work  for  the  Chiba  Ken  District  with  its  200,000  inhabi- 
tants. The  government  has  a horticultural  college  and  farm 
adjacent  to  the  town.  Bible  classes  among  the  students  are 
popular.  The  missionary,  therefore,  makes  many  contacts 
which  help  to  broaden  his  influence  and  carry  the  Christian 
story  to  many  sections  of  Japan.  Our  force  is  very  badly  handi- 
capped because  it  has  no  permanent  place  of  worship.  The 
small  congregation  meets  in  a Japanese  house  which  it  rents. 
The  building  is  not  well  adapted  to  religious  work  and  leaves 
the  impression  on  the  people  of  the  town  that  the  movement 


Imperative  Needs 


79 


Rev.  and  Mrs.  Sholty  and  Group  of  Workers  at  Matsudo 


is  only  temporary  and  will  soon  vanish.  Another  reason  why 
a church  building  and  missionary  residence  should  be  located 
there  is  the  fact  that  they  would  almost  double  the  time  of  the 
missionary.  As  it  is  he  must  spend  too  much  time  going  back 
and  forth  to  his  residence  in  Tokyo.  A residence  and  adequate 
equipment  would  put  him  close  to  his  work  and  facilitate 
matters  greatly. 


China 

China  is  undergoing  great  changes.  She  is  in  the  midst  of 
a renaissance.  The  travail  and  pain  of  a new  life  are  suffered 
in  every  member  of  her  vast  body.  The  remnants  of  the  old 
order  lie  about  in  disorder  and  ruin,  while  the  tender  forces  of 
the  new  order  tediously  and  precariously  work  their  way 
through  this  chaos  to  light  and  power. 

The  changes  are  accompanied  by  many  other  movements. 
Some  are  good,  others  are  a menace  to  progress  and  good  gov- 
ernment. Anti-foreign  and  anti-Christian  forces  are  hinder- 
ing the  missionary  cause  and  making  it  difficult  for  the  na- 


80 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


tional  church  to 
press  forward  as  it 
otherwise  would. 
Lawlessness  and 
banditry  make 
school  work  uncer- 
tain and  general 
evangelism  unsafe. 
Parents  are  afraid  to 
send  their  children 
out  of  the  village, 
for  fear  of  having 
them  kidnapped  and 
held  for  ransom. 
Chinese  pastors  are  not  free  to  travel  because  of  these  maraud- 
ing bands  of  robbers. 

In  enumerating  the  needs  in  China  it  is  necessary  to  take 
into  account  the  present  political  situation.  If  conditions  were 
normal  our  mission  needs  would  be  very  numerous.  While  I 
was  writing  the  foregoing  sentence  it  occurred  to  me  that 
perhaps  things  were  normal.  Progress  is  more  natural  to  life 
and  nations  than  a static  position  such  as  China  occupied  for 
centuries.  What  I should  have  said  was  this,  “If  things  were 
static  and  settled  as  they  once  were  in  China  it  would  not  be 
difficult  to  plan  a big  program.”  But  now  things  are  different. 
They  are  changing  so  rapidly  that  it  is  difficult  to  keep  pace 
with  the  times.  The  nation  is  coming  to  such  a new  discovery 
of  itself  that  great  changes  occur  as  it  were,  over  night.  It  is 
a problem  to  decide  upon  a program  and  to  determine  needs 
at  a time  like  that.  Men  must  be  wise  in  order  to  do  it.  But 
even  that  is  no  excuse  for  not  attempting  big  things  in  King- 
dom building.  China  needs  Christ  and  needs  Him  now  more 
than  any  other  time.  Since  she  is  changing  it  is  tremendously 
important  that  she  make  the  right  kind  of  a change.  It  may  be 
centuries  before  another  opportunity  like  this  will  come  again. 


Rice  Time  in  China 


Imperative  Needs 


81 


The  first  thing,  therefore,  for  us  to  do  is  not  to  attempt 
the  launching  of  new  projects  but  to  push  up  to  maximum  effi- 
ciency the  mission  institutions  which  are  now  on  the  field. 
They  must  be  so  organized  and  manned  as  to  carry  peak  loads 
and  to  carry  them  well.  That  means  that  the  staff  must  be 
sufficiently  large  to  allow  the  institutions  to  function  properly. 
Our  staff  is  small  at  present.  It  should  be  larger  so  as  to 
relieve  some  who  are  carrying  extra  burdens. 


Again  our 
institutions  need 
additional  equip- 
ment  and  in 
some  instances 
better  quarters. 

For  a number  of 
years  they  have 
been  working  on 
a very  small  ap- 
propriation. 

Their  work  was 

hindered  and  their  efficiency  impaired.  Time  and  weather  are 
cruel  in  their  treatment  of  property.  T hey  rob  it  every  season 
of  some  of  its  former  glory.  Various  repairs  must  be  made  in 
order  to  keep  it  serviceable  and  looking  well. 


Chinese  School  Children 


An  Unevangelized  Village 


If  the  present 
is  uncertain  in 
China  the  future  is 
not.  Some  day  the 
Mission  Boards  are 
going  to  be  able  to 
plan  for  the  biggest 
thing  they  ever  un- 
dertook in  that 
great  empire.  The 
doors  are  open  now 


82 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


but  the  weather  (politically)  is  rough.  It  is  not  always  going 
to  be  so.  China  will  enter  the  family  of  nations  eventually 
on  equal  terms  and  will  assure  religious  liberty  and  guarantee 
tolerance  to  every  faith.  That  will  be  Christianity’s  oppor- 
tunity. In  order  to  meet  it  successfully  every  advantage  must 
be  improved  now. 

Union  institutions  will  have  to  be  enlarged.  We  must  be 
ready  to  meet  our  proportionate  share.  Already  some  are  wait- 
ing for  all  the  participants  to  provide  their  units  so  that  they 

can  go  ahead.  The  Union  Normal 
School  will  want  us  to  provide  our 
share  of  the  enlargement  program. 
The  Union  Middle  School  and  the 
Union  Theological  College  must  not 
be  delayed  in  their  plans  because  we 
are  not  ready.  If  our  boys’  schools 
and  girls’  schools  are  to  be  perma- 
nently successful  they  must  have 
buildings.  Miller  Seminary  and  our 
hospital  need  additional  aid. 

Some  day  the  Chinese  Church 
which  is  now  passing  through  a ter- 
rible storm  of  persecution  is  going 
to  emerge  a mighty  force  of  righte- 
ousness. Then  it  will  sweep  across 
China  with  such  glory  as  the  early 
Church  swept  over  Asia  and  Europe. 
In  order  to  be  ready  for  the  future  it  is  necessary  that  we  plan 
well  for  the  present.  We  must  make  our  best  contributions  in 
every  way  now  so  that  we  shall  have  the  larger  staff,  better 
equipment  and  stronger  national  Church  ready  for  that  day. 

Current  Funds 

The  sources  from  which  the  Church  secures  funds  for 
this  work  are  the  General  Benevolence  Budget  and  the  W.  M. 


Imperative  Needs 


83 


A.  General  Fund.  The  quota  allowed  in  the  general  benevo- 
lence budget  represents  the  very  minimum  that  is  needed  each 
year  for  the  promotion  of  this  great  cause.  In  order  to  secure 
this  minimum  the  Church  must  raise  the  total  amount  $850,- 

000 for  general  benevolences.  Whenever  a local  church  fails 

to  reach  its  full  benevolence  quota  the  Foreign  Mission  cause 
sufferers  by  so  much.  Every  time  this  happens  it  brings  the 
Board  face  to  face  with  a reduction  in  the  work  because  funds 
are  not  sufficient  to  carry  it  on.  Every  effort  should  be  put 
forth,  therefore,  by  every  local  church  to  meet  its  benevolence 
quota  regularly  each  month. 


CHAPTER  V 


KEEPING  FAITH  WITH  HIM 

“I  am  the  way,  the  truth  and  the  life.” 

“And  I,  if  I be  lifted  up  . . . will  draw  all 

men  unto  me.” 

The  Church  has  given  of  her  wealth  to  the  cause  of  Chris- 
tian missions  in  the  Far  East.  This  wealth  has  made  possible 
many  successful  enterprises — schools,  hospitals,  printing 
plants  and  church  buildings  of  one  kind  or  another.  Many  of 
these  buildings  are  spacious  and  beautiful  as  well  as  benefi- 
cent and  useful.  The  Church  gave  generously  of  her  sons  and 
daughters  for  missionary  work.  They  poured  into  the  fields 
of  the  Far  East  until  the  forces  of  China,  Japan  and  the 
Philippines  number  more  than  nine  thousand.  Of  that  num- 
ber thirty-five  represent  the  United  Brethren  Church.  These 
tangible  gifts  represent  the  means  by  which  the  Church  carries 
God’s  “unspeakable  gift”  to  non-Christian  lands. 

The  only  reason 
the  missionary  has 
for  being  in  the 
Orient  is  to  take 
Christ  there.  Any 
other  reason  must 
take  secondary 
place.  It  is  not  easy 
to  take  Him.  It  is 
the  most  difficult 
thing  about  the 
whole  missionary 
m o v e m e n t.  It  is 
much  easier  to  take 


Canton  Mission  Residence 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


85 


creeds,  and  forms,  and  institutions,  than  to  take  a Person  like 
Jesus.  He  is  so  big.  He  makes  such  drastic  demands.  His 
conditions  are  so  exacting  that  one  hesitates  to  attempt  the 
task.  But  let  me  say  it  again,  if  we  have  any  reason  for  being 
on  the  mission  field  at  all,  it  is  to  take  Christ  there. 

What  does  this  mean?  What  is  included  in  such  a pur- 
pose? Are  we  willing  to  abide  by  the  consequences?  When 
we  raise  such  questions  we  come  to  the  core  of  the  whole  prob- 
lem. Take  for  instance  Jesus’  teaching  of  love,  brotherhood, 
justice,  righteousness,  life,  the  relation  of  material  and  spiritual 
things.  Just  as  soon  as  we  begin  to  apply  them  literally — 
and  surely  that  is  the  only  way  He  meant  them  to  be  taken — 
we  find  they  begin  to  revolutionize  society.  Now  revolutions 
are  not  pleasant  by  any  means.  They  disturb  the  old  balance 
of  things  in  order  to  institute  a new  order  and  a more  just 
balance.  They  subject  us  to  the  charge  of  being  “disturbers 
of  the  peace,”  “of  turning  the  world  up-side  down.”  But  we 
should  rejoice  in  being  privileged  to  share  with  the  early  apos- 
tles in  suffering  such  reproach. 

I was  seated  one  day  with  a small  group  of  Chinese  Chris- 
tians discussing  the  present  situation  in  China.  In  the  course 
of  our  conversation,  I asked  them  “What  can  the  church  in 
America  do  to  help  you  in  this  crisis?”  They  replied,  “There 
are  two  things  you  can  do:  First,  Assure  us  of  your  love  and 
sympathy.  We  certainly  need  it  at  this  time.  It  inspires  and 
encourages  us  in  the  work  we  are  trying  to  do.  Second,  Con- 
tinue sending  your  missionaries  to  China.  They  represent  the 
best  that  America  has  sent.  We  need  their  fellowship  and 
help  badly.” 

The  Filipino  Christians  expressed  the  same  desires.  They 
covet  our  love  and  sympathy  and  the  fellowship  of  our  mis- 
sionaries. The  Japanese  Christians  gave  three  reasons  why 
they  desired  the  services  of  the  missionaries:  First,  To  help 

them  in  the  task  of  evangelizing  Japan.  It  is  so  big  that  they 
are  overwhelmed.  Second,  To  interpret  the  best  in  Japan  to 


86 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Chinese  Christians  and  Missionaries 


other  countries.  Third,  To  keep  Japan  from  becoming  too 
nationalistic. 

Let  us  pause  a moment  and  notice  the  reasons  given  by 
our  Chinese  and  Japanese  friends.  “They  (the  missionaries) 
represent  the  best  America  sent  to  the  Far  East.”  This  is 
truly  a great  commendation  on  the  noble  men  and  women  who 
have  gone  to  the  East  to  represent  Christ  and  the  Church.  Sup- 
pose everything  America  sent  to  China  and  the  Orient  repre- 
sented the  best,  what  a different  opinion  the  Orient  would  have 
of  us.  Unfortunately,  some  things  (including  men)  got  into 
the  Orient  which  represented  the  worse  side  of  American  life. 

Some  of  the  Japanese  felt  that  there  was  danger  of  the 
church  becoming  too  nationalistic.  They  believe  that  a staff 
of  foreign  missionaries  on  the  field  will  help  to  avoid  such  an 
attitude.  They  believe  also  that  the  world  will  suffer  seriously 
if  the  Church  in  any  country  is  allowed  to  become  nation- 
alistic. It  certainly  will.  Europe  and  America  gave  striking 
evidence  of  that  during  the  world  war.  The  irony  of  it  all, 
different  parts  of  the  same  church  praying  God’s  blessing  and 
His  cursing  upon  each  other  in  their  effort  to  win  the  war. 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


87 


Christianity  must  make  that  impossible  in  the  future.  It  will 
only  as  it  succeeds  in  building  the  Kingdom  of  righteousness 
and  planting  the  spirit  of  brotherhood  in  the  hearts  of  men. 

Xow  consider  the  reasons  given  by  my  Chinese  friends  who 
ask  for  the  love  and  sympathy  of  the  church  in  America  during 
these  trying  days  in  China.  It  would  be  easier  to  give  them 
most  anything  else.  One  is  inclined  to  become  impatient  with 
things  as  they  now  exist.  If  force  could  be  used  it  looks  as 
though  order  could  be  brought  out  of  chaos  in  a little  whiie. 
May  be  it  could,  but  in  the  end  it  would  be  an  artificial  order. 
Any  attempt  to  assist  the  sprouting  bulb  with  a pair  of  pliers 
would  be  fatal.  So  would  force  to  the  new  life  which  is  de- 
veloping in  the  Far  East.  It  is  not  force  or  coercion  which  is 
needed,  but  a warm  Christian  atmosphere  of  love  and  goodwill. 

Nothing  makes  human  character  blossom  into  a beautiful 
strong  personality  as  quickly  and  successfully  as  love.  Love 
provides  the  atmosphere  which  produces  great  souls.  The 
most  marvelous  characters  of  the  world  have  been  disciples 
of  Jesus.  He,  himself,  was  a disciple  of  love.  If  God  is  any- 
thing He  is  love.  If  Christ  is  anything  He  is  love.  If  the 
Church  would  be  any- 
thing it  must  be  love. 

When  these  men  asked 
for  the  love  and  sym- 
pathy of  the  Church  in 
America  they  were  ask- 
ing for  more  than  a 
mere  sentiment.  They 
wanted  to  see  over 
again  in  the  Church 
what  the  Church  said 
she  has  seen  in  Christ. 

Have  we  the  gen- 
ius to  furnish  an  atmos- 
phere which  will  help 


Buddhist  Priests — China 


88 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


to  bring  these  new  movements  in  the  Far  East  into  spiritual 
perfection  ? What  an  unusual  opportunity ! What  a chance 
for  the  Church  in  America  to  help  the  lands  of  China  and  the 
Far  East  into  the  sunlight  of  love  that  forever,  hereafter, 
there  will  be  no  misunderstanding  of  the  purpose  and  place  of 
America  to  help  save  the  world.  My  experience  and  observa- 
tion leads  me  to  believe  that  nothing  will  help  the  general  plan 
of  human  progress  just  now  quite  so  much  as  that. 

Some  say  they  will  take  advantage  of  you.  I met  travel- 
ing men  who  were  of  that  opinion  and  therefore  encouraged 
force.  But  what  if  they  do  take  advantage.  Judas  took  ad- 
vantage of  Jesus,  but  he  found  and  so  will  others  that  it  was 
ultimately  to  his  disadvantage.  We  must  protest,  therefore, 
against  injustice  and  evil  wherever  they  are  found.  To  sit 
sublimely  by  and  let  them  triumph  is  not  the  mark  of  a Chris- 
tian. On  the  other  hand  to  make  force  the  persuasive  power 
in  reconstructing  the  world  is  running  counter  to  His  method 
of  love.  Do  we  have  sufficient  faith  in  the  final  triumph  of 
righteousness  to  test  it  out  according  to  Jesus’  plan? 

Life  becomes  more  complex  as  the  human  race  moves  for- 
ward. The  implications  of  the  Gospel  become  more  compli- 
cated as  Christianity  spreads.  The  rise  of  national  autonomy, 
the  development  of  race  consciousness  and  the  progress  of 
Christianity  have  contributed  to  our  present  perplexities. 

Let  us  take  the  question  of  brotherhood  for  instance.  It  is 
easier  to  maintain  perfect  relations  with  one  neighbor  than 
with  ten  neighbors.  It  is  easier  to  apply  the  brotherhood  of 
man  where  the  men  are  all  of  the  same  family.  But  when  a 
hundred  thousand  families  are  involved  and  five  races  are 
represented,  it  is  quite  another  question.  If  we  multiply  that 
number  by  a million  and  take  into  consideration  all  the  na- 
tional and  tribal  divisions,  we  complicate  the  question  still 
more.  When  you  stand  amid  the  jostling  crowds  of  the  Orient 
you  see  it  in  a new  light.  It  is  so  much  bigger  and  fuller  and 
richer  than  is  apparent  at  first.  But  it  is  also  much  more  com- 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


89 


plicated.  It  is  much  more  difficult  to  apply,  and  exceedingly 
difficult  to  practice.  That  is  the  rub.  The  consequences  of 
following  Jesus  are  so  much  more  exacting  than  we  had 
thought.  When  we  discover  the  implications  we  are  inclined 
to  modify  the  terms  but  we  cannot  do  this.  Christianity  has 
been  modified  too  much  already. 

Dr.  G.  Stanley  Jones  and  others  are  telling  us  that  the 
people  of  India,  Japan  and  China  want  Christ  but  they  do  not 
want  our  brand  of  Christianity.  They  see  that  there  is  a 
marked  difference  between  the  two.  Let  us  not  say  that 
they  are  placing  too  high  a standard  when  they  demand  that 
the  disciple  be  more  like  his  Master — yea,  like  his  Master.  It 
is  not  higher  than  Jesus  set  for  us.  Hear  Him.  “Be  ye  there- 
fore, perfect,  even  as  your  father  which  is  in  heaven  is  per- 
fect.” “Be  ye,  therefore,  merciful  as  your  father  is  also 
merciful.”  We,  who  are  His  followers  must  be  ready  to  accept 
the  full  implications  of  His  gospel.  The  world  needs  a living 
example  of  its  application.  If  we  do  not  do  it,  who  is  there 
who  will? 

Christianity  is  opposed  to  racial  superiority.  There  is  no 
such  thing  according  to  Christ’s  teaching.  If  there  is  it  is  in 
favor  of  the  Jewrs.  “It  is  impossible  to  believe,”  said  Robert  E. 
Speer,  “that  men  and  races  were  created  or  were  born  with  an 
instinctive  prejudice  against  one  another.” 

You  do  not  find  the  word  humanity  among  the  early 
philosophers.  “The  idea  of  mankind  as  one  family,  as  the  chil- 
dren of  one  God,  is  an  idea  of  Christian  growth.”  There  must 
be  a sense  of  brotherhood  among  nations  and  races  as  well  as 
among  individuals.  It  must  be  inculcated  upon  our  minds  and 
hearts  until  we  become  living  witnesses  of  its  practicality. 

One  of  the  charges  which  the  enemies  made  against  the 
early  church  was  that  Jesus  took  a bunch  of  nobodies  and  told 
them  they  were  sons  of  God  and  tried  to  make  somebodies  out 
of  them.  Doctor  Poole  of  London  said,  “Since  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  everybody  is  somebody.”  This  idea  has  taken 


90 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


hold  of  the  Orient.  It  is  partly  responsible  for  the  present  un- 
rest. Since  it  is  part  of  the  great  Christian  truth,  we  as  follow- 
ers of  the  Christ  must  stand  by  it.  Are  we  willing  to  abide  the 

consequences  and 
follow  Him  to  the 
end  ? 

The  economic 
condition  of  millions 
in  the  Far  East  is 
deplorable.  It  is  in- 
describable to  the 
average  American 
audience.  P o v er  t y 
stalks  about  like  a 
giant  ghost  seeking 
whom  he  may  devour.  Many  of  these  poor  creatures  mort- 
gage their  bodies  for  a bowl  of  rice.  President  Butterfield,  in 
speaking  of  the  country  church  in  China  says,  “I  do  not  see 
how  it  is  possible  to  expect  a vigorous,  aggressive,  working 
country  church  in  a region  where  the  average  income  of  the 
working  farmer  and  his  family  is  not  over  $35  or  $40  a year.” 
For  the  vast  multitudes  there  are  no  luxuries  because  there 
are  no  comforts. 

Perhaps  this  clipping  from  a trade  journal  announcing 
the  advantages  of  a certain  industry  in  China  will  give  a 
better  idea.  It  will  at  least  show  how  the  poor  are  being 
exploited. 

“The  working  hours  are  from  5 :30  A.M.  to  5 :30  P.M.,  and 
from  5 :30  P.M.  to  5 :30  A.M.  Xo  meals  are  supplied  by  the 
factory.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  company  is  in  an  exception- 
ally favorable  position,  with  an  abundant  and  absurdly  cheap 
labor  supply  to  draw  on,  and  no  vexatious  factory  laws  to 
observe ; it  is  not  surprising  that  their  annual  profits  have 
exceeded  their  total  capital  on  at  least  three  occasions.” 


Rice  Field 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


91 


Think  of  the  men ! Think  of  the  women  and  children  in 
such  industries!  What  must  their  physical  condition  be? 
Christ  is  surely  in  the  mills  and  factories  where  such  human 
suffering  exists.  He  is  on  their  farms  and  by  their  highways. 
If  He  had  compassion  on  the  women  who  followed  Him  to  the 
cross,  He  surely  would  have  compassion  upon  the  women  and 
children  of  the  Orient.  They  tell  us  that  the  introduction  of 
western  trade,  commerce  and  industry  have  helped  matters. 
They  have,  but  they  have  been  a source  of  injustice  also. 

A friend  of 
mine  said  one  day. 

“C  h r i s t is  ever 
evading  me.  I can 
never  get  up  to 
H i m.”  I said, 

“W  hat  do  you 
mean?  I cannot  un- 
derstand  you.” 

“Well,”  he  said,  “It 
is  like  this.  Just  as 
soon  as  I make  some  new  discovery  of  Christ  which  I think 
ought  to  bring  Him  nearer  to  me,  and  it  does,  I find  in  my 
discovery  that  He  is  much  greater  than  I thought  Him  to  be. 
Hence,  He  is  ever  beyond  me.” 

I found  this  surprisingly  true  in  the  Orient.  Jesus  put  a 
new  and  bigger  content  into  every  Christian  conception  which 
I had.  I watched  Him  as  He  actually  lived  the  implications 
of  His  own  gospel  out 

“In  haunts  of  wretchedness  and  need, 

On  shadowed  thresholds  dark  with  fear,” 
and  I got  such  an  idea  of  the  magnificence  and  greatness  of 
Jesus,  the  world’s  Savior,  as  I never  had  before.  He  chal- 
lenges us  to  new  heights,  to  the  sublimely  beautiful  and  sacri- 
ficial service  of  love.  I can  see  no  other  remedy  for  the  world’s 
ills,  save  that  offered  in  Him. 


92 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


Christ  is  in  the  Orient.  He  was  in  the  Orient  before  any 
missionary  arrived  just  as  He  was  on  the  road  to  Gaza  before 
Philip  was,  and  in  Macedonia  before  Paul  got  there.  So  He 
was  in  China  before  Robert  Morrison.  He  is  there  in  the  great 
crowds  of  the  Far  East.  He  is  going  up  the  trails  of  Ifugao 
in  the  Philippines.  He  is  meeting  with  the  young  men  in  the 
student  centers  of  Japan.  He  is  standing  amid  the  stricken 
centers  of  China  with  their  poverty  and  suffering.  He  tramps 
back  and  forth  on  the  narrow  streets  of  their  congested  cities. 
He  is  waiting  for  human  forces  with  which  He  can  clothe 
Himself  and  reach  out  a helping  hand  to  these  millions  as  they 
pass  down  the  road  of  life. 

Christ  is  not  only  in  the  Orient  in  the  form  of  need.  He 
is  there  in  the  form  of  life.  Consecrated  missionaries  and 
Christians  are  living  examples  of  His  love  and  unselfishness. 
A story  is  told  of  a little  girl  in  a mission  field  who  heard  a 
new  missionary  tell  about  Jesus  and  His  kindness  to  every- 
body. After  he  was  through,  she  said,  “I  saw  that  man.  He 
is  up  at  the  mission  station.”  One  of  the  men  who  has  been 


Mission  Staff  in  China 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


93 


on  the  field  a long  time  said  to  me,  in  reference  to  the  people 
to  whom  he  has  given  his  life,  “I  never  think  of  them  as 
Japanese.  They  seem  to  me  like  my  own  people.”  He  ex- 
pressed what  every  missionary  feels. 


When  I first  saw  the  distress,  poverty  and  suffering,  the 
ignorance  and  backwardness,  the  glamor  and  confusion,  I 
could  not  understand  the  missionary.  When  I heard  him 
speak  of  the  wonderful  people  among  whom  he  lived  and 
worked  I wondered  still  more  and  asked  myself,  “How  is  it?” 
One  day  I said,  “Bishop,  these  missionaries  must  see  some- 
thing we  have  not  seen  yet.  Otherwise  I cannot  understand 
them.”  They  did  see  some  things  we  had  not  seen.  As  we 
tarried  among  them  we  too  began  to  discover  the  golden  char- 
acters hidden  all  about  us.  Every  successful  soul  winner  must 
see  in  every  man  a soul  with  tremendous  possibilities  when 
redeemed  by  the 
Higher  power. 

One  evening 
away  up  in  the 
mountains  in  the 
Philippines  I 
met  with  a group 
of  boys  for  Bi- 
b 1 e study.  We 
were  gathered  in 


School  Boys  in  China 


the  simple  little  native  house  of  one  of  our  missionaries.  She 
had  done  her  best  to  spread  the  Christian  message  and  spirit. 
Some  of  the  results  of  her  labors  were  manifest  in  the  four- 
teen or  fifteen  boys  who  had  assembled  that  evening.  They 
were  fine  specimens  of  young  manhood.  They  entertained  me 
with  a brief  song  service  in  English.  Their  favorite  hymn  was 
“We’ve  a Story  to  Tell  to  the  Nations.”  I had  them  sing  it 
twice.  They  sang  until  the  very  sides  of  that  nepa  house 
vibrated  with  their  mountain  melodies.  I thought  I never 
heard  anything  more  impressive.  Can  you  imagine  what  it 


94 


Christian  Movements  in  the  Orient 


will  mean  to  those  mountain  tribes  to  have  such  reservoirs  of 
truth  and  life  released  in  their  towns  and  villages  as  were 
represented  in  those  boys. 

Christ  is  in  China.  He  is  in  Japan.  He  is  in  the  Philip- 
pines. How  different 'every  land  will  be  when  He  has  His 
way.  We  will  only  begin  to  see  the  glory  and  matchless  splen- 
dor of  Him  when  we  see  Him  bringing  the  Far  East  and  the 
Far  West  and  all  the  world  into  the  kingdom  of  righteousness. 
This  then  is  not  a time  to  beat  retreat.  It  is  not  a time  to 
retrench.  It  is  a time  to  put  forth  unrelenting  efforts  in  the 
evangelization  of  the  world.  Jesus’  last  command  to  the  early 
Church  is  good  missionary  propaganda.  But  it  is  more  than 
that.  It  is  the  formula  by  which  the  world  is  to  be  saved. 
Will  we  keep  faith  with  Him  and  see  it  through  to  victory? 

If  what  I have  written  in  the  foregoing  message  has 
helped  you  to  see  our  work  on  the  foreign  field  and  the  un- 
limited opportunities  which  abound  on  every  hand,  I am 
happy.  But  if  on  the  other  hand,  I have  failed  to  make  you 
see  Him  in  the  midst  of  it  all,  if  my  message  has  failed  to 
make  you  turn  to  Him  for  renewed  strength  and  courage ; if  it 
has  failed  to  make  you  see  that  the  proper  way  to  spell  mis- 
sions is  “C-H-R-I-S-T,”  then  I wish  I had  not  written  it,  for 
as  Canon  Cody  has  said,  “What  we  most  of  all  need  in  our 
churches  at  the  present  is  not  only  interest  in  missions  as  a 
movement,  but  also  interest  in  Christ  and  His  evangel.  . . . 
Not  so  much  new  interest  in  the  non-Christian  world  as  new 
interest  in  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.”  If  we  lose  sight  of 
Him  we  will  ultimately  forget  the  multitude  in  non-Christian 
lands.  But  we  will  never  forget  them  if  we  never  lose  sight  of 
Him.  Think  of  China!  Think  of  Japan!  Think  of  the  whole 
Orient  and  then  imagine  what  Christ  can  make  out  of  it. 
Every  step  reveals  His  marvelous  glory  as  He  moves  tri- 
umphantly forward  in  His  great  redemptive  plan  across  Asia. 
All  He  needs  is  a faithful  church  and  consecrated  followers. 


Keeping  Faith  With  Him 


95 


“If  Jesus  Christ  is  a man — 

And  only  a man — I say 
That  of  all  mankind  I cleave  to  Him, 

And  to  Him  will  I cleave  alway. 

“If  Jesus  Christ  is  a God 

And  the  only  God — I swear 
I will  follow  Him  through  heaven  and  hell 
The  earth,  the  sea,  the  air.” 


#ln. 


Mom  factored  by 
GAYLC  RD  BROS.  Inc. 
Syr  jcuse,  N.Y. 
St.ckton,  Calif. 


